Ulcerative Keratitis

                     --------------------

                        (corneal ulcer)



                      General Information



The cornea is the transparent front layer of the eyeball.  It is

less than 1 millimeter thick and consists of several complex

layers.  It is the most sensitive part of the body and readily

reacts to irritants or stimuli from both outside and inside the

eye.



Ulcerative keratitis is corneal inflammation caused by disruption

in one or more layers of the cornea, starting from the outside

and going inward.  The disruption (ulcer) may be very shallow,

similar to a scrape or an abrasion, or it may be very deep,

nearly penetrating all the corneal layers.  The deeper the ulcer

is, the more vision is threatened.



Corneal ulcers have many causes, including trauma, infections,

inborn weaknesses, and nutritional deficiencies.



Once a corneal ulcer occurs, rapid deterioration of the cornea

may result.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Corneal ulcers are quite painful, and treatment to reduce

    discomfort will be given.  Further irritation or damage

    should be prevented.  Bright light may be an irritant.



2.  Treatment includes use of medicine, with or without surgery.

    Artificial lenses are used also in selected cases.



3.  Wait at least 15 minutes between applications of different

    ointments or drops unless instructed otherwise.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet shows continued signs of pain.



    * You cannot apply the medicine as directed.



    * The sutures (if present) loosen or become lost.