Corneal Stromal Abscess in horses is a painful eye infection causing an abscess within the cornea, often requiring treatment.

Corneal Stromal Abcess

Seek veterinary advice before applying any treatment

A corneal abscess occurs when bacteria or fungus along with the animal’s own white blood cells enter the cornea through an injury. The injury may heal too quickly and essentially “seal” the bacteria or fungus inside the cornea creating a pocket of infection or abscess. Abscesses may also be sterile, with only white blood cells present.

Symptoms

  • Red eyes
  • Squinting
  • Yellow Spot in cornea
  • Swollen Eye/s
  • Cloudy Eye/s
  • Teary eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Increased blinking
  • Spasms
  • Ulcers
  • Low appetite

Treatment

Treatment usually begins with medicine applied topically. These include antibiotics and antifungals known for their ability to penetrate the cornea, topical and/or systemic anti-inflammatory medication, and medication to open the pupil. Medical treatment can take weeks to months.
If there is no improvement, a keratectomy may need to be performed, which opens the abscess to medication, and may help remove dried out debris. In selected cases, the abscess may need to be surgically removed and the area covered with conjunctiva or amnion from a placenta.
While treating for a corneal stromal abscess, the horse should be kept in a darkened stall with limited exercise.

Prevention

Avoid any kind of trauma to the horse`s eyes and implement a good insect control.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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