Horses are one of our passions here at Animal Eye Clinic of Spokane and our goal is to provide high quality, state of the art care and treatment options. Equine ophthalmology is an ever-changing field and new information and treatments become available regularly. Our doctors are up to date on the newest information and techniques to provide the best possible care for your horse. We treat a variety of ocular diseases and offer cutting edge therapy including corneal grafting, cyclosporine implants (for certain types of uveitis), glaucoma laser procedures, surgical removal of tumors/growths, treatment of corneal ulcers, and many other ocular problems.

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What to expect

When you call to schedule an appointment, we will want to have a brief description of your horse’s ocular problem and please have your veterinarian fax or email their most recent findings. Following review of the records, we will call you to schedule an appointment time. Equine exams are most often performed at Animal Eye Clinic of Spokane’s office; however, depending on several factors including your horses’ needs, the appointment may be scheduled at a local referring veterinarian’s clinic. Upon your arrival, we will discuss current and previous ocular and health issues. Please bring any medication your horse is currently receiving. The initial examination includes schirmer tear test, intraocular pressure reading, and fluorescein staining. A complete ophthalmic examination with slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy helps the doctor obtain in depth information about your horse’s eye. Once the exam is complete, the doctor will discuss the diagnosis as well as recommended treatment options available. If surgery or further diagnostics are recommended, an estimate will be provided to you.  

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Common ocular diseases that affect horses

Horses can develop a variety of ocular conditions that can result in severe pain and/or loss of vision or the eye. With eye problems, and especially in horses, timing is essential as the window of opportunity for successful treatment can be narrow. We recommend immediate attention when you recognize a problem with your horse’s eye. Some of the common eye issues in horses are:

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• Corneal Ulcers or Abrasion

• Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU, Moon Blindness)

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Ocular Neoplasia (cancer)

• Traumatic Injuries

 

Our doctors are equipped to diagnose and offer a variety of treatment options for each condition, depending on your horse’s needs.

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What if surgery is needed? - Due to staffing issues we currently have very limited availability to perform equine surgery.

The type of surgery needed, will determine where the surgery will be performed. We are equipped to perform numerous equine procedures at our clinic. However, procedures that require general anesthesia will be coordinated with McKinlay and Peters Equine Hospital where one of our doctors will perform the needed surgery. There, general anesthesia and/or standing procedures can be performed under the direct care of both an equine internal medicine specialist and our ophthalmology team. Horses can be hospitalized for 24-hour post op care on an as needed basis.

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Do I need a referral to bring my horse in for an appointment?

We enjoy working closely with the many wonderful and talented veterinarians across the Pacific Northwest. While the majority of our equine cases are referred by local veterinarians, a referral is not required. Following establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan upon completion of the ophthalmic examination, we try to work closely with your veterinarian. A full written report is provided for you and your veterinarian that explains our exam findings and recommendations. We often will have your veterinarian perform a follow up exam and call us to discuss their findings and determine if your horse is responding appropriately to treatment.