ACTHA Monthly July 2015 | Page 39

entire cornea and observe the eyelashes typically pointing downward. Now is a good time to know what your horse looks like under normal circumstances! Certain diseases can lead to uveitis like leptospirosis but many times the initial insult cannot be found. This condition responds to steroids but if you place steroids in an infected eye you may end up with a fungal infection and a non-healing ulcer! NEVER EVER place an eye medication into your horse’s eye without checking with your vet. Doing so may cause the loss of the eye and I have personally seen this happen resulting in an empty eye socket.

Less common eye issues involve viral infections like herpes keratitis and immune mediated lesions that may respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatories as well as very expensive anti-virals. Do not try to guess what is wrong with your horse’s eye. Making the wrong choice may result in eye loss. Keeping your horse from rubbing with the use of a special eye mask with a plastic cup can speed up healing. Certain medications such as atropine cause the pupil to dilate so you must be careful that the eye is protected from bright sunlight.

Non-steroidals such as Banamine also pay a vital part in returning comfort to your horse when such eye issues arise and is well tolerated by most horses. Each case is individual and you must involve your vet to reach the best outcome for your horse. Remember your horse has only one pair of eyes and has to be able to see well to guide you on your way. Take good care of them and hopefully your horse will take care of you!

ACTHA Monthly | June 2015 | 45

reach the best outcome for your horse. Remember your horse has only one pair of eyes and has to be able to see well to guide you on your way. Take good care of them and hopefully your horse will take care of you!

Rein Photography

A homemade eye protector

NEVER EVER place an eye medication into your horse’s eye without checking with your vet