Clinical Outcomes Following Diamond Burr Debridement of Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defects: A Retrospective Study of 521 Dogs

Objective To evaluate clinical outcomes following diamond burr debridement (DBD) of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs, and to identify predisposing factors and treatment choices that may affect outcomes. Animals Studied Medical records of dogs treated for SCCED by DBD between January 2018 and May 2023 at an ophthalmology referral centre were retrospectively reviewed. Procedure Data collected included breed, age, eye affected, prior treatment, co‐morbidities, treatment after the DBD procedure, time to healing, further procedures, and complications. Outcomes were classified as normal healing (NH: ulcer healed ≤ 16 days) or delayed healing (DH: ulcer healed > 16 days). Results A total of 598 eyes from 521 dogs were analyzed. French bulldogs (21.4%), Boxers (16.4%), and Staffordshire bull terriers (8.4%) were the most common breeds affected. Overall, 405/598 eyes (67.7%) healed after a single DBD without further intervention (range: 6–55 days), with 370/598 eyes (61.9%) achieving healing within 16 days. Complications occurred in 49 eyes (8.2%) following DBD. In multivariable analysis, French bulldogs demonstrated significantly lower odds of normal healing and a higher risk of complications. Postoperative administration of oral non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical 0.2% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in carbomer were also associated with reduced odds of normal healing. Conclusion Clinical outcomes following DBD for SCCEDs are influenced by breed, comorbidities, and postoperative treatments. French bulldogs are predisposed to delayed healing and complications, and the use of oral NSAIDs or topical EDTA in carbomer may adversely affect healing outcomes.