A persistent shallow, non-infected corneal erosion/ulcer with no apparent underlying cause surrounded by nonadherent or loose epithelium that fails to resolve through normal epithelial wound healing in 14 days is termed an indolent corneal epithelial erosion or spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defect (SCCED). These erosions usually occur in middle-aged or older dogs (>7 years of age) with all breeds susceptible but some breeds more prone that others (e.g. Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers).

The causes of corneal erosions and ulcers are numerous and include trauma, eyelid defects, foreign bodies, tear film deficiencies and cranial nerve disorders. Appropriate management of corneal disease includes a thorough ophthalmic examination to ensure that lid function is normal, tear function is normal (STT readings) and that no other ocular abnormalities are present which could contribute to the formation or persistence of a corneal erosion.

Diffuse staining with fluorescein, and a less intense ring of fluorescein staining surrounding the defect highlights the corneal epithelial erosion.