09/09/2026
👁️ OCULAR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC) IN HORSES
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers affecting the equine eye. It can occur on the eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva or cornea and may become locally invasive if allowed to progress.
☀️ UV LIGHT & WESTERN AUSTRALIA
UV light is an important risk factor for ocular SCC, making it particularly relevant to horses living in Western Australia, where UV levels are high for much of the year. Horses with pink or poorly pigmented tissue around the eyes are at greater risk.
🔎 SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
• New or rapidly growing tissue around the eye
• Pink, red, white or irregular raised lesions
• Rough or “cauliflower-like” growths
• Areas that repeatedly crust, bleed or fail to heal
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Redness, squinting or irritation
🐴 MEET FRECKLES
Freckles was examined after developing a rapidly growing lesion on his third eyelid, suspicious for SCC.
Under standing sedation and regional nerve blocks, the third eyelid was exteriorised and local anaesthetic infiltrated around the surgical site. The third eyelid was then clamped and the lesion removed with good surgical margins.
A fluorescein stain performed following the procedure identified a small area of associated corneal ulceration, which could then be treated appropriately.
☀️ PROTECT & CHECK
For horses exposed to our strong WA sun, UV-protective fly masks can help reduce UV exposure, particularly in horses with unpigmented skin around the eyes.
Get into the habit of checking your horse’s eyes regularly. Any new, unusual or rapidly changing lesion deserves veterinary attention.
