Eye Infections in Horses

Diagnosing Eye Infections in Horses

A vet can usually diagnose an eye infection quickly through a physical examination of the eye, but the diagnosis doesn't always reveal a cause. Your horse may need to be sedated during this process. If the examination isn't conclusive, your vet may need to swab and test your horse's eye. Your vet will check for damage to the cornea as well as anything that may be lodged in the eye, such as splinters, awns from grasses, or grit. Developments in the microscopic corneal analysis have helped vets to identify funguses and bacteria in horses' eyes. A tool called an in vivo corneal confocal microscope is used to perform this type of exam.3

Treatment

Swift action following diagnosis is key to successfully treating a horse's eye infection. Your vet may begin treatment with an ointment or gel to apply to the eye multiple times a day.4 If the infection is bacterial, your vet may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops. A horse with a fungal eye infection is likely to be prescribed a topical anti-fungal and may need surgery if ulcers are present. Treatment for ERU centers on managing inflammation and reducing discomfort. Topical inflammatories and corticosteroids can help but won't prevent future flareups.

In severe cases, injections into the eye or surgery may be necessary.

Just because you may see improvement within a few days doesn't mean you should stop the medication before the entire course is up. Stopping treatment before the infection or injury is completely healed can result in the infection flaring up again and possibly causing more damage. In some cases, the cause of the infection (for example, bacteria) may become resistant to the medication if the full course is not administered.