Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Eye, White or Pink Tissue on Outside Edge of Eyeball
Summary
This is a fairly common finding and usually results from an inflammatory condition caused by the body's response to parasites. The other main possible cause is cancer, squamous cell carcinoma.
Sometimes this area appears abnormal, but is found to be within normal limits by your vet following an examination.
Sometimes this area appears abnormal, but is found to be within normal limits by your vet following an examination.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Given the importance of your horse's sight, do not allow this condition to continue or worsen over time.Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), assess their eyes, compare one to the other, and look for other signs of injury or disease. Take a photo of the eye and send it to your vet. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Apply a fly mask and keep your horse quiet until your vet can see it.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Due to the possibility of cancer, your vet should examine your horse. If there is any doubt, they may take a biopsy to determine the character of the tissue.
(Note: “cherry eye” is blockage and distention of the third eyelid gland, often seen in dogs. Horses have no problem with their third eyelid gland, just their third eyelid.)
(Note: “cherry eye” is blockage and distention of the third eyelid gland, often seen in dogs. Horses have no problem with their third eyelid gland, just their third eyelid.)
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- Has the appearance changed at all since you began observing it?
- Has the horse had any other signs of a problem?
- How does it compare to the other one?
- How long have you noticed this?
- Does the eye seem irritated?
- Is the horse squinting or is there discharge?
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
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.
Very Common
Less Common
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