How to Treat Horse Eye Problems

Horses have one of the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, and are therefore more prone to injuries and illnesses of the eye than other animals. If you discover horse eye problems, there are several ways in which you can treat them.

Things You'll Need

• Ointment, Saline solution, Fly Mask, Shelter

Instructions

1. Assess the damage to your horse's eye and call the vet if eye problems include cuts, tears or severe swelling. You shouldn't take care of an eye injury or infection unless you know how to handle the situation.

2. Flush out the eye with a saline solution, such as those contact wearers use to soak their contacts. You can use an eyedropper or a plunger for this purpose, but make sure you get the entire eye.

3. Spread an ointment above and below the eye if you believe than an infection might be forming. You can find appropriate dressings at your local tack or feed store, or from your veterinarian. Just make sure you don't get too much in the eye itself, or you risk further irritation.

4. Use a fly mask to keep flies, debris and dirt out of the face when dealing with horse eye problems. This will help limit the possibility of infection and will keep the eye clean.

5. Put your horse in a stall where he isn't in direct light, as sunlight can irritate horse eye problems and cause them further damage. If a stall isn't available, confine him to an outdoor shelter where the sun cannot reach him.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend or trainer to help hold your horse while you apply ointments or solutions to the eye. Horses are protective of their faces and may not react well to treatment.

• Make sure that any treatment you use is intended specifically for horse eye problems, and not for another area of the body or for a different animal.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish