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.
