What should I do if my horse’s infected wound is near the eye or face?
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Overview
If your horse has an infected wound near the eye or on the face, it’s best to be cautious. Wounds in this area can look minor at first but may become more painful or troublesome because of blinking, rubbing, flies and the risk of the eye itself being affected.
There can be several possible causes, including a simple knock or scrape that has become dirty, a bite or kick wound, or irritation from rubbing. You can check the area at home, but face and eye-adjacent wounds are one of the situations where veterinary advice is often sensible sooner rather than later.
Things To Check
1. Look at how close the wound is to the eye, eyelid, nostril or muzzle, and whether the eye itself looks affected.
2. Check for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, scabbing or any bad smell.
3. See whether your horse is rubbing the face, blinking more than usual, holding the eye partly closed or avoiding touch.
4. Notice if there’s tearing, cloudiness in the eye, light sensitivity or any change in the way your horse is looking around.
5. Check whether the wound is getting bigger, wetter or more painful, or if the swelling is spreading.
6. Think about what may have caused it, such as turnout, stable fittings, a kick, headcollar rub or insect irritation.
7. Look for anything that could be trapping dirt, such as matted hair, debris, a scab lifting at the edges or fly activity.
Common Causes
Most often, these wounds start as a small cut, graze or knock that becomes contaminated. Fly irritation, rubbing against a wall or fence, or contact with a headcollar or tack can also play a part.
Sometimes the problem is a bite wound or a deeper injury than it first appears. Less commonly, the eye itself may be involved, which is why face wounds near the eye deserve prompt attention if anything seems off.
What To Do
Keep your horse as calm as possible and avoid letting them rub the area. If they allow it, gently tidy away loose dirt around the wound using clean saline or cooled boiled water, but don’t scrub or pick at scabs.
Do not put anything into the eye unless a vet has told you to. Keep flies away as much as you can, check the horse regularly, and avoid turnout or equipment that seems to make the wound worse.
If the wound is near the eye, is becoming more swollen, or your horse seems uncomfortable, contact your vet promptly for advice. Face wounds can need a proper look even when they seem small from a distance.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the wound is on or very near the eye, if your horse is squinting, tearing, rubbing, or holding the eye closed, or if swelling and discharge are worsening. These signs can mean the eye or deeper tissues may be involved.
You should also get veterinary advice if the wound is deep, bleeding won’t settle, there’s a marked smell or pus, or your horse seems dull, painful or off colour.
Products That May Help
Keeping a sensible first aid kit for minor cuts and grazes can make day-to-day wound care easier while you wait for veterinary advice or monitor a small injury.
Related Questions
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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.