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Horse Care and Comfort

Miniature Pony with runny eyes

Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

I have a mini who is elderly. (Not sure exactly how old but previous owner described her as 'ancient'.) She is in very good health with plenty of energy. The only thing is she has persistantly runny eyes. A vet gave some antibiotic cream to put in the eye, I have tried other similar treatments, I have her now wearing a fly mask in case it's allergy. The previous owner was putting salty water in her eyes. A pony club instructor has suggested squeezing a tea bag into her eyes - but I'm not sure it's a good thing to do. Has anyone got any other suggestions or advice please? I've also tried gently flushing the eyes with water. Most things seem to give a temporary but not complete improvement and the eyes go back to being 'gunky' again. The eyes shed tears and it's gooey. I wipe them clean with baby wipes and black and grey mucus-kind of gunk comes off. One vet suggested putting vaseline on her face under the eyes to protect her skin so I've been doing that as well. He didn't think flushing to unblock the nose drain would help. I'd really like to get her eyes totally clear if possible. New Zealand is where we are. :)

Miriam (Holland&Germany)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed 400 lessons completed 450 lessons completed 500 lessons completed 550 lessons completed 600 lessons completed 650 lessons completed

Hi Aotearoa,
So you're heading towards summer in New Zealand, may I suggest you protect the eyes with baby-nappy-cream with sink in it, make a circle AROUND the eye with this white heavy cream, as close as possible to the eye, this will keep flies away. Flies bring in more bacteria.
To help the eye heal, you could massage the tear-tube that runs towards the nose, with your little finger gently push up as much mucus as you can. Do this every day and protect the eyes with the sink-cream. The horse will look like a native American horse with white circles around the eye, but it really helped me with a horse that needed to be outside for arthrosis 24/7, so no stabling, so many flies...
I hope this helps you too!
Miriam

JoHewittVINTA
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Hi. We have a product in Britain for humans called Optrex. It is sterile water - boiled water it's to wash eyes. I agree with previous advice but would suggest you also wash the eye with sterile water which can't do any harm but might help greatly. Cheers, Jo.

Kathryn in NZ
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

Thank you :)

vicci - UK (North Wales)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed

Hi, I think the most important thing is to know the cause first. If the vet prescribed antibiotics this suggests conjunctivitis (infection). If it is not resolved the vet needs to see your pony again as long standing conjunctivitis can damage the eyes. However, if it blocked tear ducts/nothing harmful and he is not distressed then keep the treatment simple as others suggest (sterile water etc.) If it is an allergy, then another approach may be needed. There is always a risk that trying different things causes more problems that it helps and I'n all for keeping things simple. I see no point or evidence for the use of a teabag I have to say! Let us know how you get on

camilla.faye
Please upload your photo 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed

Hello Aotearoa,
Whenever one of our horses had a red and swollen eye (probably because he came in contact with something he reacts to) or his eyes were all teary because of flies, I'd use warm chamomile tea. Chamomile gently cleanses, is calming, kills bacteria, and draws out whatever needs to come out. When I use it I just soak a soft cloth in the tea and slowly squeeze it so the tea will wash over the eyes, and then gently wipe them. He doesn't seem to be particularly fond of having water running over his face, but just taking it easy has always done the job. I must admit I've always had success with chamomile tea so far. (It works for people too)
I know this might only help under certain circumstances, but it might be something to consider.
I hope this might help.

Camilla-Faye