Recognising Eye Problems in Horses: Signs and Treatments

With the arrival of warmer weather, horses often face increased challenges such as allergies and fly irritation that can cause eye discomfort and infections. Recognising eye problems early can prevent unnecessary pain and more serious complications. Among the common conditions are conjunctivitis and sinusitis, which, if untreated, can cause significant distress.

Understanding Sinusitis in Horses

Similar to humans, horses can develop sinusitis — inflammation or infection of the sinuses. A persistently runny nose on one side, especially with thick or unusual discharge, may signal sinus problems rather than just seasonal snuffles. Early recognition and veterinary diagnosis help alleviate discomfort and improve your horse’s wellbeing and behaviour.

Sinusitis can severely affect a horse’s performance due to the pain and pressure it causes. Here are key signs to watch out for and insights into treatment approaches.

Signs of Sinusitis to Watch For

• Runny nose predominantly on one side with thick or discoloured discharge
• Foul-smelling discharge, which may indicate an infected tooth root causing a secondary sinus infection
• Yellow discharge without unpleasant odour, possibly indicating the early stages of sinusitis or a sinus cyst
• Discharge stained with blood, which may result from trauma, tumour, or ethmoid haematoma
• Facial swelling on one side, often due to sinus problems but sometimes dental issues or cysts
• Enlarged lymph glands beneath the jaw on the affected side
• Runny eye with blocked tear ducts caused by sinus swelling
• Abnormal breathing noises, such as snoring, possibly from airway obstruction caused by cysts or tumours, requiring veterinary assessment

Effective Early Treatment of Sinusitis

When treated promptly with antibiotics and appropriate medication, sinusitis usually resolves well. Encouraging turnout to pasture helps, as grazing with the head down aids natural drainage of sinuses. Regular veterinary checks, including half-yearly dental examinations, are essential to detect dental problems that can contribute to sinus infections.

Tackling Secondary Sinusitis

If medication fails, surgical intervention such as trephining—creating small openings in the sinuses—may be necessary. Medicated lavage, flushing sinuses with treatment solutions over several days, helps clear infection and debris. Dental issues require attention from a specialist veterinary dentist to remove problematic tooth roots.

Preventing Sinusitis and Eye Irritation

Preventative care involves regular veterinary and dental examinations. Warmer weather increases flies, which can spread infectious bacteria causing contagious conjunctivitis. Allergens like pollen can also trigger inflammation of the conjunctival membrane, leading to discomfort and swelling.

Recognising Conjunctivitis in Horses

Typical symptoms include watery eyes with discharge that may worsen to pus, and horses often squint or keep their eyes closed due to increased light sensitivity. This condition is painful, and early veterinary consultation is crucial to exclude serious issues like corneal ulcers.

How to Treat Conjunctivitis Safely

Avoid steroid-containing eye ointments as they can worsen corneal ulcers or delay healing. Using sterile saline solutions can help clean the eye, but always discard opened bottles to avoid contamination. Keeping your horse in dust-free areas, out of bright sunlight, and using high-quality fly masks can reduce irritation. If symptoms persist beyond three days, return to your vet for further advice.

Managing Eye Injuries

In cases of eye injury or trauma to the eyelid, seek veterinary care immediately. Do not attempt to remove foreign objects from the eye yourself, as this can cause irreversible damage. Skin lacerations around the eye usually require treatment under general anaesthetic for optimal healing.

Recognising Other Common Eye Problems

Horses may experience various other eye issues including corneal ulcers—scratches or abrasions caused by trauma or foreign bodies—and keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that can be infectious or immune-related. Symptoms often include squinting, redness, discharge, and cloudiness. Equine recurrent uveitis is a severe, sometimes recurring condition causing inflammation inside the eye and is a leading cause of blindness. Prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing these conditions.

When to Consult Your Vet

Any signs of eye discomfort such as squinting, excessive tearing, redness, swelling, cloudiness, discharge, or behavioural changes like reluctance to move should prompt an immediate veterinary evaluation. Early intervention helps prevent vision loss and supports your horse’s comfort and quality of life.

Taking proactive steps with regular health checks and good environmental management can help keep your horse’s eyes healthy through the warm months and beyond.

For more information on responsible horse care and health, visit horses for sale on Pets4Homes and consult your veterinary professional.