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sensitive eyes and exposure to various environmental factors, are susceptible to a range of eye infections that can affect their health and performance
Eye infections in horses can range from mild irritations to severe conditions requiring immediate veterinary attention. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and maintaining good management practices, horse owners can help safeguard their horses’ eye health and well-being
Symptoms of Eye Infections in Horses
Swollen Eyelids – Eyelid swelling can happen for a variety of reasons. In addition to blunt head injury and allergies, an eye infection is a likely cause of swollen eyelids in a horse.
Eye Discharge – While some eye discharge is a normal function of a healthy eye, the type of discharge your horse is producing can indicate infection. Some tearing shouldn’t be cause for worry, but if the discharge is thick, yellow or white, and pussy, an infection is probably to blame.
Tearing – If your horse’s eye is tearing excessively, it may be a sign of ERU. Again, some tearing is normal, but pay attention to the volume of your horse’s tears.
Hazy Appearance of the Eye – Early in infection, your horse’s eye may appear hazy or cloudy. A whiteish film over the eye may indicate ERU. There are many reasons a horse’s eye may look cloudy,
Redness and Inflammation – Redness and inflammation is the most common indicator of any eye infection, and usually points to conjunctivitis or ERU. It can also indicate eye injury or allergies.
Common Causes of Eye Infections
Eye infections in horses can stem from a variety of sources:
- Bacterial Infections: These are often the result of injury or foreign objects entering the eye, leading to inflammation and infection. Common bacteria involved include Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp..
- Viral Infections: Viruses such as Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) can cause conjunctivitis and other ocular issues in horses.
- Fungal Infections: Less common but still a concern, fungal infections like Aspergillus spp. can occur, especially in dusty environments or through contaminated feed or bedding.
- Parasitic Infections: Parasites like Onchocerca cervicalis can affect the tissues around the eye, causing irritation and infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect your horse has an eye infection, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian promptly. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough eye examination, often including the use of fluorescein staining to detect corneal ulcers or foreign bodies.
Treatment varies depending on the cause but often includes:
- Topical Antibiotics: For bacterial infections, antibiotics in ointment or drops form are commonly prescribed.
- Anti-inflammatories: To reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Antifungals: In case of fungal infections.
- Supportive Care: Keeping the eye clean and protected from further irritation.
Severe cases may require more intensive treatment or even surgery, particularly if there’s significant damage to the eye tissues.
Preventive Measures
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping stalls and surroundings clean reduces the risk of exposure to irritants and pathogens.
- Fly Control: Flies and other insects can transmit infections, so using fly masks and repellents can be beneficial.
- Routine Veterinary Checks: Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian can catch issues early.
FAQ about eye infections in horses
- What are the common signs of an eye infection in horses?
- Signs include tearing, redness, swelling, sensitivity to light, discharge, and squinting.
- What causes eye infections in horses?
- Infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses from injuries, allergens like pollen, or nearby infections.
- How are eye infections in horses treated?
- Treatment involves antibiotics or antifungal medication applied directly to the eye, plus anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling.
- Can eye infections in horses cause blindness?
- Yes, certain infections like equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) can lead to blindness if untreated.
- How can I prevent eye infections in my horse?
- Keep the environment clean, use fly masks, and have regular veterinary check-ups.
