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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[Image:Corneal ulcer donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Chronic corneal ulceration – a common finding. Note pigmentation along ventral edge of cornea. (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Corneal ulcer donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Chronic corneal ulceration – a common finding. Note pigmentation along ventral edge of cornea. (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

* '''Avoid [[Steroids|corticosteroids]]''', systemic or topical

* '''Avoid [[Steroids|corticosteroids]]''', systemic or topical

* [[Eye Examination - Donkey#Auriculopalpebral nerve block|Auriculopalpebral nerve block]] is often essential for thorough examination and sampling

* [[Eye Examination - Donkey#Auriculopalpebral nerve block|Auriculopalpebral nerve block]] is often essential for thorough examination and sampling

*'' Swab''' every ulcer for bacteria, and non-healing ulcers for fungi and yeast from the edge of the lesion

*''' Swab''' every ulcer for bacteria, and non-healing ulcers for fungi and yeast from the edge of the lesion

* Check for and correct any '''underlying cause''', e.g. [[Entropion - Donkey|entropion]], foreign body, viral infection, dry eye. Check behind the third eyelid.

* Check for and correct any '''underlying cause''', e.g. [[Entropion - Donkey|entropion]], foreign body, viral infection, dry eye. Check behind the third eyelid.

* Ensure feed and management achieve the optimal health conditions. '''Hypoalbuminaemia''' causes '''delay in healing'''. Ensure dust-free stabling, with hay fed on the ground and mask protection from bright daylight

* Ensure feed and management achieve the optimal health conditions. '''Hypoalbuminaemia''' causes '''delay in healing'''. Ensure dust-free stabling, with hay fed on the ground and mask protection from bright daylight

* Topical treatment should be in solution form, as <u>ointments can irritate all but a superficial ulcer</u>

* Topical treatment should be in solution form, as <u>ointments can irritate all but a superficial ulcer</u>

* '''[[Uveitis - Donkey|Anterior uveitis]]''' is commonly associated with corneal ulceration. Use '''atropine drops''' hourly until miosis resolves and then twice daily for two or three days

* '''[[Uveitis - Donkey|Anterior uveitis]]''' is commonly associated with corneal ulceration. Use '''atropine drops''' hourly until miosis resolves and then twice daily for two or three days

* '''[[NSAIDs]]''' are necessary to relieve initial pain. Flunixin meglumine is most effective in reducing ocular pain, but  should be stopped or changed to phenylbutazone as soon as possible due to its adverse effect on cellular repair

* '''[[NSAIDs]]''' are necessary to relieve initial pain. Flunixin meglumine is the most effective at reducing ocular pain, but  should be stopped or changed to phenylbutazone as soon as possible due to its adverse effect on cellular repair

* '''Corneal debridement''' of all loose epithelium and debris allows repair of the cornea and stimulates the healing response. [[Eye Examination - Donkey#Auriculopalpebral nerve block|Auriculopalpebral nerve block]] and topical anaesthesia  facilitate this procedure

* '''Corneal debridement''' of all loose epithelium and debris allows repair of the cornea and stimulates the healing response. [[Eye Examination - Donkey#Auriculopalpebral nerve block|Auriculopalpebral nerve block]] and topical anaesthesia  facilitate this procedure

* '''Deep ulcers require surgical repair'''. Conjunctival grafts are best referred to specialists, who have the appropriate ophthalmic instruments and experience

* '''Deep ulcers require surgical repair'''. Conjunctival grafts are best referred to specialists, who have the appropriate ophthalmic instruments and experience

* '''[[Therapeutic Techniques for the eye - Donkey#Lavage systems|Nasolacrimal or subpalpebral lavage systems]] are ideal for  long-term topical treatments

* '''[[Therapeutic Techniques for the eye - Donkey#Lavage systems|Nasolacrimal or subpalpebral lavage systems]] are ideal for  long-term topical treatments

* Systemic [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]] are indicated for severe corneal ulcers and stromal infection, but will only deliver to the ulcer if corneal blood vessels have reached the site

* Systemic [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]] are indicated for severe corneal ulcers and stromal infection, but will only deliver to the ulcer if corneal blood vessels have reached the site

==References==

==References==

|linkpage =Conjunctiva and Cornea Diseases - Donkey  

|linkpage =Conjunctiva and Cornea Diseases - Donkey  

|linktext =Conjunctiva and Cornea Diseases - Donkey

|linktext =Conjunctiva and Cornea Diseases - Donkey

|pagetype=Donkey

|pagetype=Donkey

}}

}}