The indolent ulcer, Boxer ulcer or refractory ulcer is a condition that can affect the eye surface in dogs of all breeds but even more commonly in Boxers, Pekinese, Corgis and Lhasa Apso.
Normally, when the cornea suffers a superficial scratch, an irritation, or an abrasion without complications, it will generally heal within a few days, with the help of an antibiotic eye ointment.
When an ulcer persists or relapses despite appropriate treatment, it is imperative to verify that there are no predisposing factors, such as a foreign object, chronic dry eye, eye lashes rubbing on the surface, deformed eyelids or even the presence of a tumor.
If there are no underlying causes found, then we are likely in the presence of an indolent ulcer. These are caused by an abnormality of the cornea that leads to spontaneous formation of ulcers, which represent the loss of a superficial layer of the clear surface of the eye.
Because the cornea is not normal, it will not heal easily.
Debridement of the cornea is necessary and involves removing the abnormal layer of cells and stimulating a proper healing process.
Several methods can be utilised, including the use of a small motorized burr called the Alger brush.
Cooperative dogs may tolerate this procedure with a simple topical anesthesia (eye drop).
In combination with ophthalmic preparation and sometimes ophthalmic serum*, the success rate of this technique can reach 90%.
*Ophthalmic serum is a preparation used in the treatment of indolent eye ulcers. A blood sample of approximately 10 ml from the patient is centrifuged multiple times in order to produce a clear liquid that is then divided into several small syringes and frozen for future use. Once thawed, the serum is applied as drops directly into the affected eye. The serum is generally administered every 2-3 hours in the first days of treatment. Ophthalmic serum has great healing properties for the injured cornea and is a very useful treatment in certain cases of corneal pathologies.