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When will my dog's eye heal and stop squinting after debridement?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 5 years and 2 months old | 85 lbs

How long after corneal debridement before my girl stops squinting? This whole process is draining and I see no end in sight. At what point is her quality of life an issue?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2020

That depends. A corneal lesion should be healed by 50%+ within 3 days for normal healing. The total surface area needs to be taken into account to gauge the healing.
The best person to answer this question is the veterinarian who is caring for Taurie. They know how big and how deep the ulcer is. Sometimes non healing ulcers need a grid keratotomy and/or plasma drops (though this is debated). I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2020
I hate to hear the conversation wasn't more helpful. Things to look for to know if things are healing are to look for improvement like less squinting, less redness to the eye and less tearing/discharge. You may start to see small thin blood vessels growing on the cornea towards the lesion (this is how it heals). Taurie should also act more comfortable though she should always be wearing the elizabethan collar at all times. Do also known that a non-healing ulcer may also be a candidate for enucleation (this does depend though healing progress, owner commitment...etc...it's up to the doctor to decide).
Typically, pets with corneal lesions are rechecked once a week to restain the eye to make sure it is healing as expected. You may ask a friend to take her in for you or ask if you vet offers a drop off appointment so you (or a friend) drop her off while you're at work and the vet can call you after the exam to go over things.
Financially, you may look into financing through Care Credit or Scratch pay. You may also call your local human society and ask if they know of any low cost clinics that may be able to help.

I hope this helps to provide some guidance. Please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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