When a horse has some eye problem, it is usually very easy to tell that something is bothering him. If he's behaving strangely or you suspect he has an eye disorder, then call your vet. Since some diseases can worsen and endanger the integrity of the eyeball, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Read on to learn about the various treatments available and how to take care of your equine friend's eyes.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Veterinary Treatments
Step 1. Have the horse examined by a veterinarian
He is able to examine the eye and orbit for any foreign bodies (forasacchi). The vet will instill a particular dye, called fluorescein, which allows to detect any damage on the surface of the eye. To look at the details, the doctor will use an ophthalmoscope that has a set of magnifying glasses. In this way it is able to observe both the surface and the anterior and posterior chamber of the eyeball.
To perform a thorough checkup, the vet may dilate the pet's pupils
Step 2. Learn how to apply the normal types of medicines
Once diagnosed with the condition affecting your equine friend's eye, your vet will also prescribe medications, such as antibiotics. Typically these are in the form of eye drops or ophthalmic ointment. Eye drops are useful for several days because they provide pain relief, but you should keep the animal in a shaded area or you should put a fly mask on it, as the medication may dilate its pupils. Learn how to apply the drugs in the horse's eye:
- Apply the ointment 2-6 times a day, as advised by your vet. Smear it on the edge of the eyelid and make sure it covers the entire eye.
- Instill eye drops (such as atropine) by pulling up on the skin above the eye to widen the opening. Prepare the ointment by squeezing the tube lightly, so that there is a certain amount at the tip of the tube. Approach the animal from its shoulders so it does not see that you are directing the medicine towards the eye. With one finger and thumb of one hand lift the upper eyelid and drop a drop of medication into the lower one. You can also drop it on the surface of the cornea. Let the animal close its eye, so that the drug spreads evenly.
Step 3. Treat corneal ulcers
If your vet has determined the presence of these lesions, then they are likely to numb the eye with a local anesthetic in the form of eye drops. He will then proceed to remove the dead tissue present in the eye with the help of a sterile cotton swab, thus accelerating the healing process. He will eventually rinse the eye with sterile saline and will likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops. You will need to instill it 2-6 times a day (depending on the type of drug) for at least 7-10 days.
A corneal ulcer is typically caused by sand or a branch hitting the ocular surface and which can result in a lesion or hole that the vet can see during the exam. If left untreated, the corneal ulcer can become deeper and worse
Step 4. Treat equine recurrent uveitis
Your vet can tell if your dog suffers from this disease, also called "moon sickness", which causes the pupil to spasm and contract. Since there is no cure, treatment is based only on symptom management. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to be instilled once or twice a day to dilate the pupil and stop painful spasms. You will likely need to admit your pet to a shaded area while the pupils are dilated, as these interfere with vision. It may be necessary to administer cortisone eye drops to reduce inflammation in combination with pain relievers.
Equine recurrent uveitis is inflammation of the uvea that is inside the eye and involves the iris, the fibers that hold the lens (ciliary body) in place, and the lining of the eye. It is a painful disease that interferes with eye function. It also prevents the horse from focusing images and seeing correctly
Step 5. Treat conjunctivitis
The vet will treat bacterial infections by cleaning the eye. In this case, you need to get some cotton swabs soaked in saline to use for eye cleaning. The vet will also prescribe an antibiotic ophthalmic ointment to be applied once or twice a day for 7-10 days.
Conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection that affects the outer surface of the eye. This is hot, itchy and painful and also produces a lot of secretion. This liquid substance could "stick" the eyelids together and become a fertile ground for the flies in which to deposit their eggs. To avoid an insect infestation, it is essential to keep the eye clean
Part 2 of 2: Taking Care of the Horse's Eye
Step 1. Recognize a healthy eye from a diseased one
When looking at your pet's muzzle, the eyes should be identical and symmetrical. Both lids should be open to the same width, the sclera should be white, and the pupils (the black center holes) should be the same size. In addition, the eyes should be clean, clear and lively. Any of the following situations could indicate an eye condition:
- Swelling of only one eye or eyelid.
- One eye is red or there are many dilated blood vessels in the sclera.
- One pupil is larger than the other.
- Lines or irregularities on the surface of the eye that could indicate a scratch or ulcer.
- Presence of yellow or green discharge (sometimes when there is a lot of dust in the eye and proceed to wash it you may notice a transparent and sticky discharge in the inner canthus, but this is completely normal).
- Photophobia and constant blinking.
- One eye is red, dull, or sunken.
- The horse keeps one eye closed.
- Excessive tearing, as if the eye was crying constantly.
- The sclera is swollen and bruised.
- The surface of the eye is not transparent and shiny, but opaque or veiled in white.
Step 2. Remember that it is essential to have him undergo a veterinary visit
If you notice something strange in your pet's eyes, call your vet. There are many causes of eye problems in horses, from allergies to trauma, from foreign bodies to serious illnesses. Each of these must be diagnosed by a professional and treated in the correct way to safeguard the horse's vision. If you neglect the situation or ignore the eye problem, you may be putting your pet's ability to see at risk.
Be aware that some diseases, such as equine recurrent uveitis, need to be treated for the rest of the horse's life. The earlier you start taking care of the condition, the more likely you are to recover or live with it with minimal discomfort
Step 3. Put the horse at ease
Before your vet arrives for an examination, take a clean, damp cloth and wipe away any secretions that have accumulated around his eye. You should also protect it from direct sunlight. Put blinders on the horse or a fly mask to help him find shelter from the light. Alternatively, take it inside the barn. All this allows him to feel better and reduces the stress on the diseased eye.
Some diseases such as equine recurrent uveitis get worse with sunlight and UV rays, so it's always important to protect your eyes
Step 4. Monitor your progress
If the eye appears to be worsening or not improving within several days, it is best to ask your vet for another surgery. Ulcers can sometimes increase in size and even threaten the integrity of the inner layers of the eye if they are not treated effectively from the start.
Do not use eye ointments or other medicines without veterinarian approval. When it comes to treating a horse's eye, the vet is the best person, informed and able to treat the condition quickly
Advice
- You may need to restrain your horse while you apply the ointment or eye drops.
- When administering the drug, never make sudden movements by raising your hand near the animal's head or eyes as it may be frightened and fearful. Always move slowly.
- If the horse is elderly, be aware that from time to time he may experience eye problems that frighten him or lead him to bump into objects. However, horses tend to have fewer age-related diseases than other animals.
- You can use a sterile eye wash or water to clean his eye and relieve some of the discomfort. Make sure the product does not contain drugs.
