Good foot, good eye! Two indicators of good health. Just as you regularly inspect your horse's feet, you should also observe his eyes. It allows you to react quickly and save precious time as soon as an anomaly is detected.
Why observe my horse's eyes?
Sun, wind, dust, allergens and insect bites are all aggressive factors for horses' eyes, which can cause irritation and watering, and even secretions in the event of infection (conjunctivitis in particular). Moisture around the eyes can also lead to depilation. In the event of itching, the horse will try to rub its eye and risk causing a corneal ulcer. To avoid all these problems, a simple weekly cleaning of the eye area may suffice. The frequency should be adjusted on a case-by-case basis according to your horse's age and any pathologies it may be suffering from. Be careful not to overdo it, which would be counter-productive. You can also fit your horse with a protective mask if his eyes are particularly sensitive.
How do I clean my horse's eyes?
Have you heard of medical training? Regularly cleaning your horse's eyes in a cheerful, relaxed atmosphere "de-dramatizes" the procedure. Choose a quiet spot that your horse is familiar with, and ask for help the first few times if necessary. Always respect your horse's rhythm, and don't forget to reward him as soon as he cooperates. These sessions will help you spot any unusual changes and consolidate your horse's trust in you. If you ever have to treat a sore eye, your actions will be safer and you'll both be less stressed.
Two types of eye cleaning
Equipment required:
- sterile compresses or washable wipes (no cotton),
- an ophthalmic solution approved by your veterinarian (saline solution, cornflower waterisotonic lotion, etc.),
- gloves (or washed hands),
- a clean tray for your equipment.
1️⃣ Generally, cleansing the eye contour area is enough. Soak a compress/wipe with your eye product and gently wipe around the eye. Always proceed from the inside (inner corner of the eye) outwards (towards the ear). The aim is to prevent germs from entering the conjunctival sac and blocking the lacrimal sac. If any dirt clings to your horse's skin, keep the wet compress on it until it softens and comes off on its own.
2️⃣ Occasionally (e.g. when you see dirt in the eyelids) or at your vet's request, you can rinse the eye itself. Gently hold the eyelids apart with your fingers and pour a few drops of your ophthalmic solution into the eye. Anticipate any sudden movement of the horse towards the bottle.
➡️ In both cases, use clean compresses to pat dry around the eye area.
Please note:
- It's crucial to change the compress for each eye to avoid transmitting germs from one to the other,
- check the storage conditions for your ophthalmic solution (generally very short to avoid bacterial growth).
Take the opportunity to clean your horse's often dusty nostrils!
When to contact your equine veterinarian
Closed, swollen eye, stain or haze on the eye, red eyelid, appearance of a pimple, discharge, over-reaction during eye cleaning...: don't take any unnecessary risks, consult a veterinarian to avoid irreversible damage to your eyes and vision.
