Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs (Canis Familiaris) in Trujillo, Peru

Sattui M.A.T.-C.; De Lima-Núñez T.A.; Ramírez-Reyes R.P. · Revista MVZ Cordoba (2025) · DOI: 10.21897/rmvz.3871

Resumen

Objective. To determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of corneal ulcers in dogs from Trujillo, Peru, identifying predominant bacterial agents and associated risk factors. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 dogs, 27 of which were confirmed to have corneal ulcers through the fluorescein test. Samples were collected using sterile swabs for cytology and culture on blood/MacConkey agar. Bacterial identification was performed using Gram staining and biochemical tests. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25, applying Fisher’s exact test (p<0.05). Results. A bacterial prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. (39%), Staphylococcus aureus (18%), and Streptococcus spp. (9%) was reported. Deep corneal ulcers (47%) were more common than superficial ones (43%), with a significant association (p<0.05) between lesion severity and clinical signs such as ocular pain, hypopyon, photophobia, epiphora, corneal edema, and uveitis. The main identified risk factors included brachycephalic breeds (59%), age over 7 years (52%), and cohabitation with other animals (67%). Conclusions. The results indicate that Staphylococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are the main bacterial agents associated with corneal ulcers in dogs in Trujillo, Peru. Furthermore, lesion severity is significantly related to specific epidemiological factors and key clinical signs.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego