When all one does is deal with the “eye” day in and day out, one may (or should) get a feel for certain things that can go wrong. You might say that such is my case. I have been able to observe some common pitfalls in equine ophthalmology that we all may fall into. I can try to map these out for you here, but if you’re as bad at reading maps as I am, you may still “fall in” occasionally. But, that’s what life’s all about...seeing trouble ahead, but still getting into it anyhow.

The subpalpebral lavage system is used to deliver medication to the horse’s eye safely, easily and efficiently. The system is made from flexible tubing which is passed through the upper or lower eyelid into the conjunctival cul-de-sac (the space located between the eyelid and the eye). Medication is introduced into the system through a catheter at a distant injection port (usually braided into the mane along the neck) and is slowly delivered to the eye through the tubing. Upon reaching the end of the tubing, medication exits the system and runs onto the surface of the eye.

• Medications used with the system must be in liquid form.
• Typically 0.2 ml doses of the eye drops are pulled up into syringes.
• The medication is injected into the port at the neck, followed by gradual introduction of enough air to push the medicine to the eye (usually 1 ml).
• Medications should always be injected slowly and flow easily into the system.
• Often a special “Eye Saver” mask is recommended to be used simultaneously both to protect eye and the subpalpebral lavage system.
• Vaseline can be smeared on the skin under the eye to prevent a moist rash.

A veterinarian should be contacted to check the lavage system if any of the following occur:

• Swelling of the upper or lower eyelid
• Unexpected degree of ocular pain
• Resistance to injecting medication into the system
• Leakage of medication at the injection (introductory) port
• Medication leaking out onto eyelid instead of into the eye
• Breakage of tubing
• Tubing attachments to the face become loose

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Corticosteroids, please call Eye Care for Animals.

Topical corticosteroid eye drops reduce inflammation, suppress vascularization (blood vessel formation) and may
decrease corneal pigmentation. In many cases, the benefits of corticosteroid eye drops are dramatic and can save
vision and promote comfort. However, corticosteroids may have several side effects including delayed corneal
healing, increased susceptibility to ocular infection, local irritation, corneal thinning, and corneal mineralization. In
rare cases, internal side effects associated with topical administration of corticosteroids have been reported.

We typically prescribe topical corticosteroid medications to control ocular inflammation. We carefully select a
particular strength and frequency of corticosteroid, depending on the degree of inflammation at the time of
examination.

The topical corticosteroid medication should make your pet feel significantly more comfortable. Besides topical
medications, we may consider corticosteriod Injections underneath the conjunctival membrane. However, if your pet
develops increased squinting, tearing, discharge or starts rubbing at their eye, please stop the medication and call Eye
Care for Animals to speak with one of our staff members.

Systematic Corticosteroids

Oral corticosteroid medications are often used to reduce inflammation after eye surgery or to control very severe
inflammation. In these cases, corticosteroid pills or injections are very beneficial. However, they may have side
effects including increased appetite, thirst, urination, panting and weight gain. Your pet may need to be let outside
more frequently throughout the day and may occasionally have uncharacteristic accidents in the house. Occasionally,
these medications may result in behavioral changes such as aggressiveness or restlessness. These side effects will
resolve as we taper and finally discontinue the medication.

Animals normally produce their own corticosteroids. However, the body will stop making corticosteroids when an
external source is supplied. Therefore, when it is time to stop a systemic corticosteroid treatment, it is important to
gradually withdraw it so that they body will have time to start producing them again. Abruptly discontinuing a high
dose or long-term use of an oral corticosteroid can lead to shock and an emergency situation. Therefore, it is very
important to follow the label instructions very closely and to not stop them early unless consulting with your
veterinarian first.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Corticosteroids, please call Eye Care for Animals.

Several medications are used in the treatment of “dry eye” in animals. The most frequently used drug, cyclosporine A, is a potent, immune-suppressing agent that was first used in human medicine to help prevent rejection of transplanted organs. Tacrolimus is also used and was developed to help prevent corneal transplant rejection in people. Tacrolimus is a newer therapy for dry eye and is still used as an experimental drug. The long-term side effects are yet to be determined.

At Eye Care for Animals we are committed to effectively managing and minimizing the pain your pet may experience following surgery. Effectively managing pain, we believe, not only keeps your pet more comfortable but also helps your pet recover more quickly.

Safe for use in both dogs and cats, the Fentanyl Patch is particularly useful for minimizing pain associated with surgery. Fentanyl, a potent pain relief drug is slowly released from the patch and absorbed through the skin. A single Fentanyl Patch significantly relieves pain for up to four days.