Clinical diagnosis and management of infectious keratitis in horses

Subject Areas : clinical veterinary science

Saeed Ozmaie ^{1 *}

1 -

Received: 2025-01-04 Accepted : 2025-01-29 Published : 2025-04-10

Keywords: Ulcerative keratitis, ophthalmology, horse,

Abstract :

Equine infectious keratitis is a common, painful, and potentially fatal disease. 18% of all reported equine eye diseases were due to ulcerative keratitis. The high incidence of ulcerative keratitis and the high probability assessment are likely due in part to the prominence of the eyeball in horses, the erratic behavior of the horses, and an environment rich in plant material. Ulcerative keratitis can have variable appearances. Simple traumatic ulcers are relatively superficial because no corneal stroma has been lost. There is minimal corneal edema and no apparent cellular infiltrate. Because uncomplicated ulcers heal rapidly, there is no corneal vascularization. Complicated ulcers include nonhealing and have stromal loss, keratomalacia, or corneal perforation with iris prolapse. Most ulcers with stromal loss or keratomalacia are infected with bacteria or fungi. Successful diagnosis and management of ulcerative keratitis depend on the correct interpretation of clinical signs; appropriate specimen acquisition; early, aggressive, and appropriate medical therapy; and surgical intervention when necessary.

References:


1- Mustikka MP, Grönthal TSC, Pietilä EM. Equine infectious keratitis in Finland: associated microbial isolates and susceptibility profiles. Vet Ophthalmol. 2020;23(1):148-159.
2- Brooks DE, Andrew SE, Biros DJ, et al. Ulcerative keratitis caused by beta-hemolytic Streptococcus equi in 11 horses. Vet Ophthalmol. 2000;3(2–3):121-125.
3- Faghihi, H., Rajaei, M., Aftab, G., Ozmaie, S., Golabdar, S. Ophthalmic findings in a herd of Caspian miniature horses. 2023, 35(2):105-111.
4- Brooks DE, Matthews A, Clode AB. Diseases of the cornea. In: Gilger BC, ed. Equine Ophthalmology. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2016:252–368.
5- Utter ME, Davidson EJ, Wotman KL. Clinical features and outcomes of severe ulcerative keratitis with medical and surgical management in 41 horses (2000–2006). Equine Vet Educ. 2009;21(6):321–327.
6- Sherman AB, Clode AB, Gilger BC. Impact of fungal species cultured on outcome in horses with fungal keratitis. Vet Ophthalmol. 2017;20(2):140–146.
7- Smith KM, Pucket JD, Gilmour MA. Treatment of six cases of equine corneal stromal abscessation with intracorneal injection of 5% voriconazole solution. Vet Ophthalmol. 2014;17(1):179–185.