What is a common indication for referring an infected corneal ulcer?

A common indication for referring an infected corneal ulcer is when the ulcer has failed aggressive medical therapy. This situation typically indicates that the ulcer is not responding to initial treatment efforts, and further intervention may be necessary to prevent complications such as corneal perforation or vision loss. Referral to a specialized veterinary ophthalmologist allows for a more comprehensive assessment and may involve advanced treatments such as surgical interventions, diagnostic testing (like cytology or culture), or more aggressive medical therapies that are not available in general practice.

The other scenarios do not warrant referral. An ulcer with less than 50% stromal depth may still be manageable in a general practice setting, considering that not all cases require specialist intervention at that stage. While an ulcer that is responding well to treatment does not necessitate referral, it suggests that the current management plan is effective. An asymptomatic patient with a corneal ulcer may not be experiencing significant issues, thus typically would not need to be referred unless there are other concerning factors regarding the ulcer's status.