Very Common
Less 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 Appears Wounded or Cut
Summary
Injuries to the eye or eyeball (globe) itself are rare but do occur and are sight-threatening veterinary emergencies. If you suspect traumatic damage to your horse's eye, call your vet immediately.
Many of these wounds can be repaired but only if they are managed soon after injury occurs. Some injuries will result in permanent blindness, but the best chance for your horse's vision depends on your quick and decisive actions and those of your vet.
Many of these wounds can be repaired but only if they are managed soon after injury occurs. Some injuries will result in permanent blindness, but the best chance for your horse's vision depends on your quick and decisive actions and those of your vet.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
Given the importance of your horse's sight, contact your vet immediately. Take a photo of the injury and share it with your vet. Do not attempt to treat the eye yourself.What Not To Do
Do not apply antibiotic products to the injury, unless advised to do so by your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet uses sedation and nerve blocks to assess the eye carefully and to determine the nature of the injury. Fluorescein dye is helpful to determine the extent of injury to the clear surface of the eye (cornea). Quick decisions may need to be made in order to save the eye.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Describe exactly what you see.
- When did you first notice this?
- How long ago do you think the injury happened?
- Can you see injury to the eyeball itself?
- Can you send me a photo?
- How old do you think the wound is?
- Do you notice any abnormality of the eye itself?
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