title: Corneal ulcers in horses.
abstract: Corneal ulceration is commonly diagnosed by equine veterinarians. A complete ophthalmic examination as well as fluorescein staining, corneal cytology, and corneal bacterial (aerobic) and fungal culture and sensitivity testing are necessary for all infected corneal ulcers. Appropriate topical antibiotics, topical atropine, and systemic NSAIDs are indicated for all corneal ulcers. If keratomalacia (melting) is observed, anticollagenase/antiprotease therapy, such as autologous serum, is indicated. If fungal infection is suspected, antifungal therapy is a necessity. Subpalpebral lavage systems allow convenient, frequent, and potentially long-term therapy. Referral corneal surgeries provide additional therapeutic options when the globe's integrity is threatened or when improvement has not been detected after appropriate therapy.
authors.affiliation: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Lynn B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Chantale L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Pinard
mesh_terms: D060433:Administration, Ophthalmic; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006736:Horses
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal