Advanced Equine Ophthalmology
Management of Corneal, Intraocular & Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders

Ocular-surface and intrastromal SCC (Haflinger and Belgian predisposition, biopsy to confirm, surgical excision plus adjunctive treatment). Corneal ulceration from simple superficial to melting: fluorescein depth assessment, cytology-guided topical selection (ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, compounded 5.5% cefazolin, chloramphenicol), systemic flunixin at 1.1 mg/kg BID for reflex uveitis, atropine with colic monitoring, voriconazole 1% and fluconazole for fungal disease, autogenous serum for collagenase activity. Stromal abscess under intact epithelium (steroid-contraindicated). Iris prolapse, eosinophilic keratitis, and the three depths of immune-mediated keratitis. Referral triggers: >50% stromal depth, ruptured globe, nonresponse at 48 hours.

• Differentiate the presentations of equine corneal disease and choose appropriate diagnostics
• Select topical and systemic drug combinations based on cytology and clinical findings
• Manage melting ulcers, stromal abscesses, and immune-mediated keratitis medically
• Identify the cases that belong with a specialist and call the referral early

Iris stromal hypoplasia vs. a true iris mass (transillumination). Corpora nigra cysts and transcorneal diode laser ablation for horses with head-shaking or performance concerns. Equine recurrent uveitis: Appaloosa and draft predisposition, aqueous flare in the insidious form, tonometry and ocular ultrasound, Leptospira serology and PCR, the topical steroid vs. NSAID decision (dexamethasone 0.1%, prednisolone acetate 1%, bromfenac), atropine for ciliary spasm, intravitreal gentamicin, suprachoroidal cyclosporine, and vitrectomy. Cataract classification and when to refer for phaco. Primary vs. secondary glaucoma, dorzolamide or timolol, diode TSCP. Optic nerve disease table: what's visual, what's blind, what's breeding-ending.

• Work up equine recurrent uveitis with the right diagnostics before treating
• Differentiate physiologic variants from clinically significant intraocular disease
• Select medical and surgical options for ERU, glaucoma, and cataracts
• Counsel owners realistically on prognosis for chronic intraocular disease

Foal entropion (primary vs. secondary to dehydration), vertical mattress suture placement, why Hotz-Celsus is rarely the right answer in foals. Ectopic cilia on the posterior third eyelid. Distichiasis and the Friesian genetic predisposition. Two-layer eyelid laceration repair with 3-0 suture preserving every pedicle. Eyelid and third-eyelid SCC, periocular sarcoid, and the treatment menu (surgical excision, cisplatin, BCG, 5-FU cream, photodynamic therapy). Dacryocystitis and NLD imaging. Orbital fracture workup. Facial nerve paralysis and Schirmer testing. Horner's syndrome. The two enucleation approaches under standing sedation, hemorrhage management, and orbital implant choice.

• Manage foal entropion and decide when temporary sutures vs. surgery applies
• Repair eyelid lacerations preserving margin and pedicles for long-term corneal health
• Select among surgical, chemotherapeutic, and photodynamic options for periocular neoplasia
• Execute a standing transpalpebral or subconjunctival enucleation with appropriate blocks