Most eye problems in the horse involve pain, inflammation, pupil constriction (which is also very painful), and occasionally ulcers with bacterial or fungal infection. These signs are linked together in a cascade: inflammation causes pain which causes more inflammation, both of which lead to pupil constriction which leads to more pain and so on. Treatment is based on eliminating the infection with antibiotics, allowing the ulcer (if present) to heal, dilating the pupil to relieve pain, relieving inflammation, and giving pain relief all in an attempt to stop the cascade.

Eye medications must be used carefully as they can have side effects, please review the following:

Atropine dilates the pupil but can cause colic if overused. If prescribed it should be applied once or twice daily until the pupil is dilated and stopped. Some horses will remain dilated for a few hours, others for weeks so careful observation of the pupil is critical.

Antibiotics kill bacteria but need very frequent application to reach adequate levels on the eye. Some antibiotic preparations contain steroids listed on the ingredients as betasone, dexamethasone, cortisone or any ingredient ending in "sone" or "one". It is critical that medications with steroids ARE NEVER used on an eye with any scratch or ulcer as they will cause rapid degeneration.

Keep the horse out of direct bright light.

Atropine ointment / solution once / twice daily

UNTIL THE PUPIL IS DILATED THEN STOP.. If the pupil constricts again repeat the above protocol.

 

The medications below need to be given 4-6 times daily (every two hours)

• Gentamicin ophthalmic ointment / solution
• Durafilm¨ solution
• Neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin ophthalmic ointment without / with steroids
• Chloramphenicol ophthalmic ointment / solution
• Ocufen
• Banamine paste for __________ pounds, once daily
• ______________ times per day.
• This animal should be re-examined in ______ days.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE HORSE RECEIVE ALL THE MEDICATIONS RECOMMENDED. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY, PLEASE CALL