Why Is My Horse’S Eye Swollen And Watery?

Swelling and irritation in your horse’s eye may be equine conjunctivitis. Here’s everything you need to know about this bacterial infection. When your horse has a swollen eye, it’s always cause for concern, but this time of year it may just be equine conjunctivitis (pinkeye), an easily treated bacterial infection.

What can you give a horse for a swollen eye?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are very helpful. Banamine is better for ocular inflammation than Bute or Equioxx.. Application of an ice pack reduces pain & swelling and, if the horse tolerates the initial shock of cold, they might like it.

What would cause a horse eye to drain clear liquid?

Watery, clear secretions are probably just excess tears, the fluid produced by the lacrimal glands to lubricate the eyes. Normally, extra fluid drains down through the tear ducts to the nostrils, but if the ducts become clogged, tears will pool in the lower eyelid to overflow and spill down the face.

Will conjunctivitis go away by itself in horses?

Conjunctivitis in Horses FAQs
A mild, simple bacterial conjunctivitis may resolve in 5-7 days while a complicated severe case of conjunctivitis may take weeks to heal.

How do I know if my horse has an eye infection?

Conjunctivitis causes red, sore eyes that water frequently. You may also notice a yellow discharge that may seem to glue your horse’s eyelids together. Horses with pink eye often squint because the infection makes their eyes particularly sensitive to light.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a swollen eye?

Reducing the swelling is all about cooling and moving the fluid away from the eyes.

1. Apply a cool compress. A cool compress can help reduce swelling.
2. Apply cucumber slices or tea bags.
3. Gently tap or massage the area to stimulate blood flow.
4. Apply witch hazel.
5. Use a facial massage tool.
6. Apply a chilled cream or serum.

What does conjunctivitis in horses look like?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the inner lining (pink tissue) of the upper and lower eyelids. This results in a “red eye”. The other clinical signs of conjunctivitis in the horse include swelling, and discharge (tearing, mucoid, mucopurulent).

What are the first signs of strangles in horses?

What are the clinical signs of strangles? The incubation period for strangles is 3 to 8 days, at which point clinical signs, including lethargy, anorexia, fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes with abscess formation may appear.

How do you unclog a horse’s tear duct?

The usual first step is to flush the duct. Your vet will likely sedate your horse, then pass a thin flexible tube partway up the duct from the nostril end. A saline solution is then flushed through and may be followed with steroids or antibiotics if the case warrants them.

How do you clean a horse’s infected eye?

To prevent the spread of infection, only use disposable wipes, or dampened cotton wool. A sponge will hold any possible infection, or bacteria, which could spread from one eye to the other.

What causes conjunctivitis in horses?

Conjunctivitis occurring in both eyes is commonly caused by infection with a virus or bacteria. For example, herpesviruses can produce conjunctivitis in horses. Environmental irritants and allergens are other common causes of conjunctivitis.

When should I go to the vet for conjunctivitis?

At the first sign of any visible eye issue, call your veterinarian. If conjunctivitis becomes severe, it can cause permanent damage to the cornea. This is not a condition that will go away on its own, so medical treatment is necessary.

Can you leave conjunctivitis untreated?

The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis.

What is the most common cause of eye problems in the horse?

Horses are particularly vulnerable to ocular trauma because their eyes are large and positioned on the sides of the head. Corneal ulcers are one of the most common eye conditions caused by trauma. The cornea is a transparent membrane in the front of the eye.

How long does it take for a horses eye to heal?

The majority of corneal ulcers are superficial and normally heal in 3 to 7 days. However, horses are more likely than other domestic species to acquire corneal infections, and these infections lengthen healing time as well as threaten the overall health of the eye.

What does a corneal ulcer look like in a horse?

Cloudy blue cornea. Light sensitivity. Excessive tearing. Painful, swollen, red eye.

Can a swollen eye heal itself?

Eyelid swelling usually goes away on its own within a day or so. If it doesn’t getter better in 24 to 48 hours, see your eye doctor. They’ll ask about your symptoms and look at your eye and eyelid. They’ll also check for clues about what’s causing the swelling, such as skin changes or pain.

What takes swelling down in eye?

Using gentle pressure, place a cold pack, a cloth filled with ice — or even a bag of frozen vegetables — to the area around your eye. Take care not to press on the eye itself. Apply cold as soon as possible after the injury to reduce swelling. Repeat several times a day for a day or two.

Can a swollen eye heal overnight?

A swollen or puffy eyelid is common. In many cases, the swelling goes away within 1 day. You can reduce the swelling with compresses, but how you treat a swollen eyelid also depends on its cause. Causes can range from fluid retention to a severe infection.

What’s the difference between hay fever and conjunctivitis?

Differences. Intense itching of the eyes is a symptom only associated with eye allergies. Pink eye caused by viral conjunctivitis often starts in one eye and spreads to the other, while eye allergies usually affect both eyes at once.

What is the difference between an eye infection and conjunctivitis?

What is an eye infection? Eye infections are caused by a virus or bacteria in the environment that attacks the eye. The most common of these infections is conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.