Conjunctivitis
Equine Veterinary

See also: Equine Veterinary • Horse Care

Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a condition that often causes inflammation and infection to the eyelid membrane and outer eye lining of the horses eye.

Cause
Conjunctivitis can be caused by several factors:

Allergic reaction
A bacterial infection
A viral infection

Symptoms

Discharge
Discharge can occur from one or both eyes, the amount and colour will vary depending on the infection. Thick green pus often indicates that a more serious infection is present and a clear discharge often indicates that the actual tear duct has become blocked often due to swelling of the eye lid.
Swelling
Swelling of the eyelids is another symptom that often accompanies discharge. The eye lids become swollen and are often closed or half closed.
Eyelids
The inside of the horses eyelids may become red often indicating infection.

Treatment
Consult your veterinary as eye infections need prompt treatment. The exact treatment will depend upon the symptoms and the length of time that your horse has had the condition for. Your vet may need to take a culture for bacterial infection so that the appropriate antibiotics can be given.

Antibiotic Cream
Topical antibiotic creams may be applied directly to the eye.
Steroids
Steroids may also be given to help reduce inflammation.
Compress
The use of a cool compress can help to soothe the eye lid and reduce inflammation.
Flush Tear Duct
If the tear duct is blocked then your vet will often flush the duct out

Prevention
Horses can easily have a foreign object enter the eye, or receive a blow to the eye area either in the stable or out at grass. Flies often contribute to spreading an infection from one horse to another and the use of fly masks can prove invaluable in helping to prevent the spread of infection.

Conjunctivitis Equine Veterinary

Conjunctivitis
Equine Veterinary