Saving the Surface: Ulcerative Keratitis in Dogs, Cats, and Horses

Ulcerative keratitis is a common and potentially vision-threatening condition affecting dogs, cats, and horses, with important species-specific differences in cause, progression, and treatment. This session reviews corneal anatomy and wound healing, classification of corneal ulcers, diagnostic approaches, and both medical and surgical management strategies. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing complications and making appropriate clinical decisions to preserve vision.

• Differentiate between simple and complex corneal ulcers
• Decide which diagnostic tests should or should not be performed
• Recognize when a referral should be offered