Effective Treatment of Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defects in Cats and Dogs: Tips and Approaches

Indolent corneal ulcers or spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED), commonly encountered in small animal practice, are refractory ulcers diagnosed by their classic appearance and are challenging to treat. Although they rarely cause blindness or vision loss, indolent corneal ulcers remain a significant source of concern for patients and their owners, as well as being distressing for both owners and veterinarians. Ulcers with a non-adherent epithelial edge, for which there is as yet no single identified most effective treatment method, are typically managed with treatment options tailored to each patient's condition. Current treatment recommendations consist of procedures aimed at identifying and treating the underlying cause, as well as promoting the epithelialization and adhesion of the corneal epithelium. This research aims to understand the treatment methods for SCCED in cats and dogs and to develop effective treatment strategies. Additionally, it aims to enrich the existing knowledge in veterinary medicine to improve treatment outcomes.