Bacterial and Fungal Keratitis in the Equine Patient

Introduction: Ulcerative keratitis is a common condition in horses due to their large, prominent eyes and can be potentially sight limiting if not diagnosed early and treated properly. Superficial, non-infected ulcers commonly heal rapidly; whereas stromal degradation associated with infected ulcers can rapidly progress to perforation of the cornea. This is characterized by increased proteolytic activity in tear film and stroma, which is responsible for the melting and necrosis of the cornea. Since melting ulcers in horses can progress rapidly, a swift diagnosis and suitable treatment are essential to salvaging the eye. A thorough ocular examination and medical history are crucial and can aid in determining the severity of the corneal disease, as well as choosing the appropriate method of treatment whether medical, surgical or a combination.