Risk Factors and Treatment Outcomes for Canine Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defects (SCCED): 335 Cases Within a Reference Population.

To retrospectively evaluate the presentation, treatment, and outcome of dogs with spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) and to identify risk factors. Records of 335 dogs with SCCED at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were reviewed and compared with 157,362 dogs from the general population within the study period. Data retrieved included signs, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes associated with SCCED. Boxers (n = 92, O:E = 12.38), Pembroke Welsh Corgis (n = 15, O:E = 5.21), Bulldogs (n = 7, O:E = 4.77), Boston Terriers (n = 15, O:E = 3.64), French Bulldogs (n = 15, O:E = 3.04) and English Bulldogs (n = 12, O:E = 3.03) were significantly overrepresented in the SCCED-affected population compared to the reference population (p < 0.01). Dogs aged 6-10 years and weighing 31-40 kg were significantly overrepresented with SCCED compared to the reference population, whereas dogs aged < 5 years and weighing < 10 kg were significantly underrepresented (p < 0.0005). When Boxers were excluded, dogs 6-15 years of age were significantly overrepresented in SCCED versus the reference population, while dogs < 5 years of age were still significantly underrepresented (p < 0.0001). The success rate (defined as complete healing after procedure) following a single procedure was 49%, 70%, and 66% after cotton applicator debridement (CTA) alone, CTA + diamond burr debridement (DBD), and CTA + grid keratotomy (GK), respectively, and differed significantly between CTA and CTA-DBD (p < 0.02). Using a large reference population, this study confirms previously suspected breed predispositions to SCCED by adjusting for common breeds across a broader hospital population. In addition, it confirms the previously known age predisposition and that CTA-DBD is a more effective treatment than CTA alone.