ADVICE FROM THE VET
AN INSIGHT INTO EQUINE EYE
CONDITIONS. . . By Nancy Homewood BVetMed CertAVP MRCV
Traumatic Uveitis with associated Corneal Ulcer
blunt trauma. Ulcers can be simple or complex- simple ulcers involve superficial breaks in the outermost layer of the cornea. A more complex ulcer can become infected with bacteria and fungi that live around the horse’s eye, or within the environment they live in. Horses that have corneal ulcers will often show varying degrees of eye pain-from mildly tearing to a closed, painful eye with discharge. Whilst a simple ulcer would usually respond to topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain relief, more complex ulcers require intensive medication. Those Ulcers that need intensive management are usually best suited to having medication to the eye administered via a ‘sub-palpebral lavage system’ These allow remote, frequent medication of the eye without the need to apply drops directly to the eye- a great benefit to horses who are often in a degree of pain with the ulcer. If an ulcer does not respond to medical treatment, surgery such as debriding or corneal grafting
Fitting of a subpalpebral lavage systemto allow frequent administration of eye medication
for peripheral motion detection. The horse’s eyes are relatively big and are positioned in a lateral position on the head to allow for alarge visual field. Due to their position, they are vulnerable to trauma and subsequent disease. Eye disease in horses can progress rapidly, and apainful eye should always be investigated as aveterinary emergency- rapid, appropriate treatment could not only save your horses vision, but save the eye from catastrophic damage. The most common eye conditions we are called to attend:
T
CORNEAL ULCERS The most common equine eye
condition we would attend. An ulcer is caused by damage to the surface layer of the cornea. This is usually due to trauma eg plant material, straw,
28 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER2018
he Equine eye is a complex organ and as aprey species, is particularly adapted
Use of an UV filtering eye mask - suitable for horses without pigment and those who suffer with uveitis
may be necessary to repair the defect. In severe cases, infection or perforation of the cornea may result in loss of the eye. Early detection and appropriate treatment of ulcers will always decrease the chances of serious complications.
CONJUNCTIVITIS With the prolonged dry, warm weather
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