How should a canine indolent ulcer be initially treated?

The initial treatment for a canine indolent ulcer, which is a form of superficial corneal ulcer that often does not heal as expected, typically involves the administration of topical anesthetics such as proparacaine followed by debridement of the unhealthy epithelium. The use of proparacaine provides pain relief during the procedure, allowing for a more comfortable experience for both the practitioner and the dog when the corneal surface is being treated.

Debridement is crucial because it helps remove the loose, non-adherent epithelial tissue that may be preventing healing and allows healthy tissue to be exposed. This can significantly improve the chances of complete healing of the ulcer, as it facilitates better adhesion of the corneal epithelium to the underlying stroma. Additionally, this approach can also reduce the risk of infection and further complications.

Other treatment options, such as bandaging or oral antibiotics, may play a role later in the management plan but are not typically the first-line initiatives for addressing an indolent ulcer. Bandaging can be useful in certain scenarios but doesn’t address the underlying issue directly. Topical steroids are contraindicated in ulcerative conditions as they can inhibit healing by suppressing the immune response and would further complicate the