Corneal Ulcer
A defect of the corneal surface that can range from superficial to deep into the corneal tissue. An ulcer is painful and sight-threatening: bacterial or enzymatic processes can worsen a 'melting' ulcer within hours to a few days, up to perforation of the eye.
Veterinary care required
This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.
Priority · vet & management
EMERGENCY — clarify with a vet/ophthalmologist immediately; diagnosis (including fluorescein staining) and targeted therapy are sight-threateningly time-critical. IMPORTANT: NEVER use corticosteroid eye ointments or drops without a veterinary diagnosis — they can worsen a corneal ulcer and promote perforation. No self-medication on the eye.
Possible causes
- · injury/trauma to the cornea (branches, hay, foreign bodies)
- · bacterial or fungal infection of the corneal defect
- · rolled-in eyelashes/eyelid malpositions, irritation
- · a pre-existing eye disease
Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication
Prevention
Minimise injury risks in the stable/paddock (check at eye height, remove sharp edges/branches) and have any eye irritation worked up immediately.
Equiterna's take
Equiterna treats the corneal ulcer as an ophthalmological emergency with no role for compounds — decisive is immediate diagnostics, never cortisone without a finding.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.