04/09/2026
๐๐ข๐๐ค๐๐ฒโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ | ๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐
Meet Mickey โ a big character who recently spent some time with us at Cliffe Equine Hospital.
Mickey was initially seen by our Ambulatory Team after developing painful, sore eyes. Examination revealed eosinophilic keratitis (EK), an immune-mediated condition affecting the cornea, which in Mickeyโs case had caused ulcers in both eyes.
With frequent eye medication proving understandably difficult at home, Mickey was admitted to the hospital for more intensive treatment, under the care of treating vet Sophie Llewellyn and House Vet Billy Dean-Gant.
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Sub-palpebral lavage systems (SPLs) were placed in both eyes, allowing most of Mickeyโs medication to be administered without repeatedly applying drops directly to his sore eyes.
Mickey had also developed thick plaques over the corneal ulcers. These were carefully removed before the affected areas were debrided using a diamond burr to support healing.
But there was one challenge โ not all of Mickeyโs medication could be administered through his SPLs.
One particularly thick eye ointment still needed to be applied directly to his eye twice a day, and understandably, Mickey wasnโt particularly keen.
๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ก
Alongside his ophthalmic treatment, the team introduced positive reinforcement and clicker training. Mickey was gradually rewarded for appropriate behaviours, helping him become more comfortable and willing to participate while his medication was administered.
The same approach was used for his oral pain relief. Mickey initially accepted his medication disguised in food, but being the perceptive character he was, he soon became suspicious of this approach too.
Behavioural training helped the team find a more positive and cooperative way forward, maintaining Mickeyโs confidence and trust throughout his stay.
๐ ๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐
Mickey responded well to treatment. His ulcers healed, his SPLs were removed and he was able to head home.
Importantly, the behavioural training carried out during his hospital stay meant his owners were able to continue his remaining eye medication successfully at home for a further two weeks. After this, no further treatment was required.
Mickeyโs case is a brilliant example of how clinical ophthalmology and behavioural training can work hand in hand. By considering both the physical and behavioural needs of the patient, we can help make intensive treatment less stressful while supporting patient welfare and treatment success.
Well done, Mickey โ and a fantastic team effort from Sophie, Billy and our hospital team.
A big thank you to Mickey's lovely owners for letting us share his story!
