{"id":634,"date":"2024-11-21T11:39:10","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T10:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pferdepraxis-roedig.de\/?page_id=634"},"modified":"2024-11-21T11:39:11","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T10:39:11","slug":"corneal-defects-in-horses-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pferdepraxis-roedig.de\/en\/hornhautdefekte-beim-pferd-ursachen-symptome-und-behandlungsmoeglichkeiten","title":{"rendered":"Corneal defects in horses \u2013 causes, symptoms and treatment options\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the more common, but often underestimated, eye problems is corneal defects in horses. Horse owners know how important it is to look after their animals' eye health. In this article, we aim to give you an overview of corneal injuries in horses. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how you can help your horse.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hornhautdefekte bei Pferden sind besch\u00e4digte oder abgenutzte Stellen auf der Hornhaut des Auges.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cornea is the outer, transparent layer of a horse's eye and plays a vital role in vision as it refracts incoming light and focuses it onto the retina. A corneal defect, also referred to as a corneal injury or disease, occurs when this protective layer is compromised due to trauma or inflammation. This can result in pain, vision impairment, and in severe cases, even permanent damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Corneal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Corneal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Corneal<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Causes of corneal defects in horses<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corneal defects in horses can have various causes, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Foreign body injuries<\/strong>Horses, due to their natural way of life, are often in contact with dirt, dust and other foreign bodies which can irritate or even injure the eye. Small particles such as dust, sand or grass can injure the cornea and lead to inflammation.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Infections<\/strong>Bacterial, viral or fungal infections are a common cause of keratitis. Bacterial infections are particularly dangerous, as they can lead to severe corneal ulcers.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Comorbidity of ERU (Equine Recurrent Uveitis\/Moon Blindness): <\/strong>In this serious illness, corneal defects are often associated with inflammation. Therefore, the condition should never be treated independently with cortisone-containing ointments during a disease flare-up without prior examination by a vet.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Symptoms of corneal defect<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There are various signs that can indicate a corneal defect in a horse: <\/p>\n\n\n\n