What Is a Descemetocele? Understanding This Serious Eye Emergency in Pets
Veterinary Services
This condition may sound unfamiliar, but understanding what it is and why it requires urgent care can make all the difference in protecting your pet’s vision.
What Exactly Is a Descemetocele?
A descemetocele is a deep and advanced corneal ulcer that extends through almost all the layers of the cornea, leaving only the final membrane, called Descemet’s membrane, intact.
To understand why this is so serious, it helps to know a little about the cornea:
The cornea is the clear outer window of the eye.
In dogs, the entire cornea is less than 1 mm thick, which is about the same as a few sheets of stacked paper.
When the cornea becomes irritated, scratched, or infected, an ulcer can form.
If the ulcer deepens enough to reach the last remaining layer, it becomes a descemetocele.
At this point, the eye is at very high risk of rupturing. This can lead to permanent vision loss or, in some cases, loss of the eye itself. For this reason, descemetoceles are considered true ophthalmic emergencies.
How Does a Descemetocele Form?
A descemetocele often develops from:
A rapidly progressing corneal ulcer
Infection involving bacteria, fungi, or melting enzymes
Trauma such as scratches or foreign bodies
Underlying conditions affecting tear production or corneal health
What begins as mild squinting or cloudiness can quickly progress into a severe ulcer, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours.
How Is a Descemetocele Treated?
Because descemetoceles are fragile and unstable, they do not heal on their own and require immediate intervention.
At Bulger Veterinary Hospital, our Ophthalmology service uses several surgical techniques to address deep corneal ulcers. One of the most advanced options is a corneal transplant, performed by Dr. Cassotis and Dr. Tipling.
What Is a Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant uses donor corneal tissue to replace the damaged portion of the pet’s cornea. This procedure offers several benefits:
An alternative to losing the eye
Restoration of a potentially clear visual axis
Structural reinforcement for a weakened cornea
Improved comfort
Better cosmetic appearance
This type of surgery is not widely performed in general ophthalmology practices, which makes Bulger one of the few regional hospitals able to offer this advanced level of care.
Signs You Should Never Ignore
Contact your veterinarian or an ophthalmologist immediately if you notice any of the following:
Squinting or keeping an eye closed
Cloudiness or a blue or white film
Eye discharge or excessive tearing
Redness around the eye
A visible spot, crater, or indentation on the eye
Sudden behavior changes related to eye discomfort
Fast action can save your pet’s vision.
Bulger’s Commitment to Advanced Eye Care
Eye emergencies are stressful for both pets and their families. Our team is here to help with:
Same-day ophthalmic evaluations for urgent cases
Advanced diagnostics
Specialized surgical options
Compassionate care tailored to your pet’s needs
Your pet’s comfort and sight are at the center of what we do.
If you are concerned about your pet’s eyes, even if you are not sure it is an emergency, it is always better to reach out.
