Risk factors for occurrence and development of ulcerative keratitis in dogs

DOI 10.33861/2071-8020-2020-4-34-35

Chechneva A.V.

Summary. Ulcerative keratitis (corneal ulcer) is an inflammatory infected condition of the cornea with a violation of its epithelial layer, affecting the stroma. Due to the fact that the cornea is a tightly innervated tissue of the body, its damage is associated with the appearance of symptoms of varying intensity: hyperemia of the conjunctiva, blepharospasm, the corneal vascularization, a decrease or increase in tear production, the formation of superficial or deep sections of corneal epithelialization, depending on the severity and the duration of the pathological process. The causes of ulcerative keratitis are also diverse: corneal injuries, chronic conjunctivitis, dry keratoconjunctivitis, anomalies of the eyelids, brachiocephalic syndrome. The danger of ulcerative lesions of the cornea is due to their necrotic effect on eye tissue, possible perforation of the eyeball, the development of secondary glaucoma or uveitis, as well as panophthalmitis. It is necessary to establish risk factors for the occurrence and development of ulcerative keratitis in dogs to prevent this pathology in the future, since in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, the disease can progress and lead to impaired vision of the animal, thereby lowering the level of their quality of life. Determining the root cause of corneal ulcerative lesions is necessary to understand the possible outcome and relapse of the pathology, as well as the appointment of adequate treatment. Prevention and relief of the etiological factor of the disease and timely prescribed therapy lead to a decrease in the risk of development and complications of ulcerative keratitis.

Key words: corneal ulcer, stroma, risk factors, cornea, conjunctiva, keratitis, dogs, tear production, trauma, complications.

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7-10. Vide supra.

Author affiliation: Chechneva Anastasia V., postgraduate student of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology named after K.I. Skryabin; 23, Akademika Skryabina st., Moscow, 109472; e-mail: anast_asia@bk.ru - responsible for correspondence with the editorial board.