Page 1003 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

treatment for eye conditions.

1 Topical. Drops, gels or ointments are applied directly onto the cornea or into the
VetBooks.ir 2 conjunctival sac.

Systemic. Drugs are given orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection.

3 Subconjunctival injection. A small volume of medication such as antibiotic or
corticosteroid may be injected into the conjunctiva. This ensures high therapeutic levels

of the drug in the cornea and the front of the eye. It can be used as an adjunct to topical
therapy or occasionally as an alternative if the latter is difficult.

How to apply eye ointment or drops

The treatment of many eye injuries and diseases involves frequent application of drops, gels
or ointments. This is not always easy if the eye is sore and the horse is uncooperative.

Inexpert or careless technique can frighten the horse and cause further damage. The
following tips may help.

1 First wash your hands.

2 In cold weather, warm the ointment to body temperature as this makes it easier to apply.

3 If at all possible, have an assistant to hold the horse.
4 Gently wipe any discharge away using moist cotton wool.

5 Remove the top and hold the tube in your right hand (or the left hand if left-handed).

Squeeze the tube until the ointment can be seen at the nozzle.
6 Position the hand so that it rests against the horse’s cheek (Figure 21.20).

7 With the fingers and thumb of your other hand, gently evert (turn out) the lower eyelid.

Do not apply unnecessary force or pressure to the eyeball.
8 Squeeze a line of ointment or the required number of drops into the exposed conjunctival

sac. It is often easiest to apply it at the medial corner of the eye (Figure 21.21).