Very Common
Less Common
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Eye has Changes to Colored Part (Iris)
Summary
The iris is the colored part of the eye. It is a thin circular ring of muscle that constricts or dilates the size of the pupil according to light exposure, thus controlling the amount of light that reaches the retina.
Most horses have a dark iris. However, horses with Pinto coloration and some horses from American Paint lines may have a blue iris, called a glass eye or blue eye. In some horses, the iris may lose pigment with age, resulting in a spotted or mottled appearance. This is usually normal.
However, dark spots within the iris can be tumors or iris cysts. The corpora nigra is a normal growth on top and bottom of the pupil that changes in different light. The corpora nigra can also develop cysts.
Most horses have a dark iris. However, horses with Pinto coloration and some horses from American Paint lines may have a blue iris, called a glass eye or blue eye. In some horses, the iris may lose pigment with age, resulting in a spotted or mottled appearance. This is usually normal.
However, dark spots within the iris can be tumors or iris cysts. The corpora nigra is a normal growth on top and bottom of the pupil that changes in different light. The corpora nigra can also develop cysts.
-
Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Given the importance of your horse's sight, assess your horse's eye and send a photo of your horse's eye to your vet for discussion.your vet's role
Your vet considers this finding in the context of the rest of the eye exam, the appearance of the other eye in comparison, and considering the horse's breed, age, color and other factors.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite?
- How long have you noticed this?
- How does it compare to the other one?
- Has the horse had any other signs of a problem?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health