Eye injuries are never something to take lightly. They’re painful, stressful and, for both patient and owner, can quickly become overwhelming. Fudge, a French Bulldog with an enormous personality, reminded us just how challenging – and emotionally taxing  – persistent corneal ulcers can be.

Fudge first presented on Halloween after an off-lead adventure through some brambles. Shortly afterwards, she developed discomfort in both eyes and was noticeably squinting. Examination revealed bilateral superficial corneal ulcers, confirmed with fluorescein dye uptake – a dye we routinely use to assess the integrity of the corneal surface.

Treatment was started immediately and intensively: multiple eye drops administered around the clock and, crucially, appropriate pain relief. Eye injuries are among the most uncomfortable conditions an animal (or human) can experience, and managing pain is just as important as treating the ulcer itself. Fudge was booked for regular rechecks, as superficial corneal ulcers would normally be expected to heal within a couple of weeks.

But Fudge’s eyes had other plans.

Although the ulcers initially appeared to reduce in size, they weren’t behaving normally. Healing was slow and, each time fluorescein dye was reapplied, it became clear that the edges of the ulcers were loose and non-viable.

Fudge wasn’t dealing with straightforward superficial ulcers, but rather indolent ulcers, also known as SCCEDs (spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects). These are superficial ulcers with an abnormal healing response, where newly formed epithelial tissue fails to adhere properly to the underlying cornea. This loose tissue actively delays healing and must be repeatedly debrided (removed).

Given the lack of progress, more aggressive intervention was needed. We performed a grid keratotomy. This isn’t the nicest of procedures to perform – it involves deliberately creating tiny scratches in the cornea to stimulate proper healing.

For a couple of weeks afterwards, things looked promising. Then the same frustrating pattern began to repeat.

After discussing the case with a specialist – who confirmed what I already suspected – it became clear that Fudge needed a second grid keratotomy. The specialist noted that many of these cases can persist for up to three to four months. We were already two months in, and the thought of continuing much longer was difficult, especially seeing how uncomfortable Fudge remained despite exceptional care from her owners.

A difficult but honest conversation was had, and Fudge returned for her second procedure.

The truly wonderful thing to come out of this long, frustrating case was Fudge herself and her amazing spirit. Initially, she was understandably unimpressed with all the attention on her eyes. But over time, she became the model patient – calm, tolerant, endlessly patient and always enthusiastic when treats were involved. Despite dreading each weekly recheck because of how slowly things were progressing, seeing Fudge made every visit a little easier. She became well known and well loved at the practice. Every week, we all hoped it would be the one where her eyes had finally healed.

On Monday 12th January, that moment arrived.

After just over two months of intensive treatment, frequent rechecks and enormous commitment from her owners, Fudge’s corneas had finally healed. The feeling of relief and joy felt by everyone involved was immense.

Fudge’s case is a powerful reminder that superficial corneal ulcers aren’t always simple, and healing doesn’t always follow the rulebook. But with persistence, teamwork and one exceptionally good girl, even the most stubborn cases can have a happy ending.