19/05/2026
EQUINE VET GOLDEN RULE: "Eyes are Emergencies!" (even afterhours which is when we usually notice them!)
Unfortunately, eyes can deteriorate incredibly quickly in horses - an eye that was only a little bit sore in the morning can end up being a disaster by the afternoon.
Recently, we treated a 6-month-old Quarter Horse filly who was noticed to have a very mildly sore/discharging eye in the morning. By that afternoon (less than 6 hours later), she had already developed a melting corneal ulcer, and by 48 hours the ulcer had destroyed 75% of the surface of the eye.
Melting ulcers are caused by severe infection and inflammation in the surface of the eye, producing enzymes that break down and 'melt' the collagen in the cornea, leading to vision-threatening damage.
Despite aggressive treatment, the melting process could not be slowed in this filly. The ulcer rapidly deepened into a large corneal defect, leaving the eye at high risk of perforation. Ultimately, this filly was euthanased (due to a number of other mitigating factors discussed extensively with the owners) to prevent long term suffering.
This is exactly why we stress that eyes are emergencies.
A mildly squinty eye in the morning can become a vision-threatening emergency within hours.
Signs that should NEVER be ignored include:
• Squinting or holding the eye closed
• Excessive tearing
• Swelling around the eye
• Cloudiness or a blue appearance
• Sensitivity to light
• Any redness or discharge
And most importantly:
Don’t just put some cream in and “wait and see.” For some people this works, but you don't want to be the unlucky owner where it progresses rapidly!
Not all eye creams are safe for all eye conditions. Some medications can actually make ulcers dramatically worse, especially if the cornea is already damaged. Delaying proper assessment can mean the difference between saving an eye and losing one.
If your horse develops a sore eye, the safest option is always to have it examined as soon as possible, or at the very least, contact us for advice! 0458 806 183
(Posted with our generous client's blessing - unfortunately not the outcome we wanted, but hoping that we can turn this into an educational opportunity for other horse owners).
