Ophthalmology

Treatment of eye injuries and disease

Eye Lavage

Sub-palpebral Lavage System placed for treatment of a severe corneal ulcer

 

There is an age-old saying that if you have ‘no hoof… you have no horse.’  The same might be said for a horse’s eyes.  As a prey animal, a horse relies heavily on their sense of vision, and when injury or disease affects your horse’s sight, they can exhibit unusual — and sometimes dangerous — behaviours.  They make spook or shy unexpectedly.  And, in the case of injury, infection or ulceration, they are often in considerable pain.

At Epona Equine Veterinary Services, we take pride in our ability to diagnose and treat a variety of ophthalmic conditions, including (but not limited to):

  • corneal ulcers
  • stromal abscesses
  • uveitis.

We offer sub-palpebral lavage placement for treating difficult horses or when treatment will be frequent and/or prolonged. In difficult cases or when surgery is required, we offer referral to a board certified veterinary ophthalomologist.

 Common myths about equine eyes

  • Do horses with blue eyes have more eye problems?
  • Is your horse’s “moon blindness” worse when the moon is full?
  • Can feeding your horse a nutritional supplement prevent eye disease?
  • Can you estimate the percentage of vision loss a horse has suffered?

Learn about these common myths relating to equine eyes, on the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ website, click here.