Horses & Eye Problems

Horses' eyes are very susceptible to injury. Almost all injuries to horses' eyes are considered emergencies. Horse owners need to pay close attention at all times to the horses' vision, as well as checking to make sure there are no infections in the eye. A minor eye problem in a horse can quickly turn into a dangerous situation where the horse could lose its eyesight.

  1. Corneal Ulcer

    • Horses are prone to corneal ulcers.

      The cornea is the outer part of the eye and serves as protection for the inner portion of the eye, just as in humans. Corneal ulcers happen very quickly and easily with horses; all it takes is a small scratch from hay or weeds, which when not taken care of will turn into an ulcer. If the horse is tearing or squinting and there is a white blemish on the cornea, an ulcer has begun. Call the veterinarian immediately. With proper treatment the ulcer will clear up in about seven days.

    Conjunctivitis

    • Be vigilant to keep your horse's eyes clear.

      Conjunctivitis, as in humans, is also known as pink eye. The eye will swell and become very irritated. It will have a yellowish discharge and the horse is likely to try to rub it all the time on the barn or trees. Once again call the vet, who will prescribe an antibiotic cream to put in the eye.

    Obstructive Tear Ducts

    • Obstructive tear ducts can go hand in hand with conjunctivitis. An obstruction blocks the tear duct that runs from the corner of the horses eye to the nostril. This happens because of an infection such as conjunctivitis. People who have several horses have to really watch because face flies will spread the infection from horse to horse.

    Squamous-Cell Carcinoma

    • The most common carcinoma cell in the horse is the squamous cell, which causes tumors in older horses' eyes. This is a form of skin cancer. As in humans, carcinoma is caused by overexposure to UV rays. In a horse there will be a growth in the eye and it will look cloudy. It will need to be biopsied and then surgically removed if it has been found soon enough.

    Sarcoids

    • Sarcoids afflict horses of all ages.

      Sarcoids are another type of tumor that are possible anywhere on the horse's body but affect the eye area most commonly. Unlike squamous-cell tumors, sarcoids afflict horses of all ages. These tumors are also very slow growing. Sarcoids need to be removed surgically.