Why is my horse head-shaking after an eye injury?
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Overview
Head-shaking after an eye injury is often a sign that your horse is still uncomfortable. It may be caused by pain, irritation, light sensitivity or something still bothering the eye, such as swelling or debris. Because eye problems can change quickly, it’s sensible to keep a close eye on things and get veterinary advice if the signs are not settling.
Things To Check
1. See whether the head-shaking started straight after the injury or only later.
2. Look for squinting, tearing, blinking more than usual or keeping the eye partly closed.
3. Check for swelling, redness, discharge, cloudiness or any change in the way the eye looks.
4. Notice whether bright light, wind, turnout or exercise seem to make the head-shaking worse.
5. Watch for rubbing, head tossing or a reluctance to let you touch the face or head.
6. Check whether the horse is eating, bright and behaving normally, or seems dull and unsettled.
7. If it’s safe to do so, think back to whether there was a poke from a branch, dust exposure, a kick or another likely cause of the injury.
Common Causes
The most common reason is ongoing irritation or pain from the original eye injury. Horses often shake or toss their heads when something is still uncomfortable.
Light sensitivity can also make a horse head-shake, especially if the eye is inflamed or the surface of the eye is damaged.
Debris, swelling or a foreign body may keep irritating the eye after the first injury has happened.
Less commonly, an eye injury may be complicated by infection, a corneal ulcer or deeper inflammation, which can also make the horse very uncomfortable.
What To Do
Keep the horse in a calm, shaded place if bright light seems to worsen the head-shaking. Avoid riding, lunging or anything that could increase irritation until the eye has been checked.
Try to stop the horse from rubbing the face on fences, doors or rugs, as that can make the injury worse. Keep handling gentle and avoid putting pressure around the eye.
Monitor the eye closely for changes in appearance, discharge, swelling or increased pain. If you’ve already been given instructions by your vet, follow those carefully and stick to the prescribed routine.
Do not put any eye product into the eye unless it has been recommended for this specific problem. If the eye looks worse, the head-shaking is continuing or the horse is getting more unsettled, contact your vet promptly.
When To Contact A Vet
Seek veterinary advice promptly if the head-shaking continues after an eye injury, especially if your horse is squinting, keeping the eye closed, has cloudiness, discharge or obvious pain. Eye injuries can worsen quickly, and a vet can check whether the surface of the eye or a deeper structure has been affected.
If the horse seems very distressed, is bumping into things, or the eye looks suddenly worse, treat it as urgent.
Products That May Help
If your horse has had a minor eye knock, a basic horse care routine can be useful for keeping nearby skin and tack areas clean while you monitor the eye and follow your vet’s advice.
Related Questions
How can I tell if my horse’s eye injury is getting worse?
Should I keep my horse in or turn them out after an eye injury?
Can an eye injury cause light sensitivity in horses?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.