I have a 22 yr old thoroughbred mare. For the past 6 months or so her eyes have been continually weeping.?

Question

She lives on a big property in a paddock right next to the forest and has done for 7 yrs, but only now is there a problem.
I bathe her eyes in warm salty water 2-3 times a day with a clean cloth each time for each eye, but lately her left eye has become swollen. She can only half open her eye, but its still weeping... help? She looks very uncomfortable but i dont know what to do next. What could it be? Could it be conjunctivitis? Any advice as to how to battle it?

She lives on a big property in a paddock right next to the forest and has done for 7 yrs, but only now is there a problem.
I bathe her eyes in warm salty water 2-3 times a day with a clean cloth each time for each eye, but lately her left eye has become swollen. She can only half open her eye, but its still weeping... help? She looks very uncomfortable but i dont know what to do next. What could it be? Could it be conjunctivitis? Any advice as to how to battle it?

I realise a vet would be the best option, but the only vet available to me is quite useless, so i'd like to see if i can resolve it without him

Answer 1

You should really take her to a veterinarian. If you cant get her there you should go in yourself or a least call them, to see what they might suggest. As for home remedies Black Tea regular tea steep about 7- 10 bags in 1 gallon of water make sure the water has boiled 2 Min's add tea bags let steep 2 -4 hours to make keep refrigerated to prevent bacteria, also the coolness will help the swelling. Soak clean cloth with the steeped tea from the fridge soak her eye in those keep fairly moist not soaking but enough to get her eye moist. Black tea has natural enzymes in it to help pull out the infection. Hope she feels better soon PS i will keep looking for more info

Answer 2

Problems with horse's eyes should always be treated seriously. When deciding whether to call a vet, the first thing to consider is whether the condition is presenting in both eyes or in only one eye. If symptoms are seen in only one eye, it usually a sign that a vet will be needed. If one eye is painful, if there is a discharge from one eye, a blue-ing of the eye, or the pupils are of uneven size, a vet should be called.

If both eyes are affected and there is a discharge, it is highly likely that the horse has conjunctivitis, a bacterial infection of the mucous membranes around the eye. Apply a specific antibiotic ointment and protect the eyes from flies by using a veil or repellent. A horse with conjunctivitis will often have very itchy eyes and will want to rub against you whenever the opportunity arises.

Another common condition is a blocked tear duct. This duct travels from the eye down the full length of the nose and emerges in the upper part of the nostril where if can be seen if you look carefully inside the horse's nose. A blocked tear duct will often result in a discharge in the corner of one eye, while the rest of the eye appears normal. The condition can be treated by a vet who will flush out the duct.

The fact that regular cleaning has not resolved the problem in SIX MONTHS suggests that you really should call your vet...

Answer 3

Conjunctivitis or uveitis are two common problems associated with weepy eyes. You do need a vet out on this one- the only meds you can get for it, you need to get from the vet, and both of those diseases are extremely painful (easy to treat though, and not overly expensive)

After calling the vet, I would buy her a fly mask- that helps shield the sunlight out of the eye and can make it a bit less painful for her.

Answer 4

It could be a variety of things. Your horse NEEDS a vet. Putting off veterinary care any longer could very well result in loss of eyesight.

Call a vet a first thing in the morning.

Answer 5

umm...wouldnt the salt be burning her eyes? you really need to take her to a vet and get his/her opinion. it could be something a simple as allergies cuz the pollen is really bad this year. i hope she get better real soon!

Answer 6

My cats and dogs have a weeping problem lately too... Good luck :-)