Which describes typical corneal ulcers in horses?

• A. Superficial (epithelium or shallow stroma); small; non-infected (no infiltrates); acute
• B. Deep stromal ulcers; large; infected with infiltrates; chronic
• C. Full-thickness ulcers with sepsis
• D. Peripheral ulcers with chronicity

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that most corneal ulcers in horses start as a superficial, surface-level defect. They are typically small and involve only the epithelium or the very shallow stroma, presenting suddenly after minor trauma or irritation. At this stage there is usually no infection, and there are no stromal infiltrates.

Why this fits best: trauma often disrupts the epithelial layer, and the corneal stroma remains relatively intact early on, so the ulcer remains shallow and small. If you don’t see deeper involvement or infiltrates, it’s considered an uncomplicated, acute, non-infected ulcer and tends to heal with appropriate topical therapy and lubricants.

Deep stromal ulcers, large ulcers with infiltrates, or full-thickness ulcers with sepsis describe more advanced, infected, or chronic disease and are not the typical initial presentation. Peripheral ulcers that become chronic are also not the common pattern in the acute, uncomplicated setting.