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Days in Horse Country – Applying Eye Drops
It’s not unusual for horses to suffer injuries to the
eye. They can have run-ins with stable
doors and fence posts or receive a kick from another horse. Grass seeds or thorns can scrape or puncture
the surface of the eye as well.
Infection or disease can also affect the eye. For all situations, eye drops may be required
for treatment.
Types of eye drops that horses might need include those containing antibiotics for inflammations of the tear sac, artificial tear solutions for horses with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), drugs that draw fluid out of the eye or reduce production of fluid for horses with glaucoma, iodine solution for flushing the eyes of horses with eye worms, or even eye drops made from the horse’s own blood serum to help cure infection.
You might need to apply eye drops several times daily for weeks, and many horses grow wary of being approached with that now familiar bottle. Often, applying eye drops to a horse’s eye requires patience, skill, and cunning.
If your horse is used to having her forelock combed, her muzzle wiped, or her face brushed, try those acts first, then apply the drops when she is relaxed and not expecting them. An assistant can hold the horse’s head still while the drops are administered. Try the horse with peppermints or other treats.
When applying eye drops, follow these steps to ensure that the medication is delivered effectively;
- Gently lift the horse’s upper eyelid while pulling down on the lower eyelid
- Place a small amount of the medication in the lower corner of the eye. Avoid putting any pressure on the eye as you do so.
- Let the liquid flow across the eye. Close the eye and gently rub it to ensure the eye drops are distributed across the entire surface of the eye.
Follow a similar technique for eyewashes.
Use the same precautions you would in giving any medication. Never share eye drops between horses as that is a good way to spread infection. Never give eye drops prescribed for another horse unless your veterinarian gives the okay. Eye drops containing steroids can cause blindness if they are used improperly. The nozzle should be free of dirt or discharge before using. Don’t save partially used eye medication. If your horse doesn’t need all of it, throw it away. Ask your vet if the drops require refrigeration or special handling.
Michael