Equine Reproduction and Stud Medicine Q&A 01

This question was provided by Manson Publishing as part of the OVAL Project. See more Equine Reproduction and Stud Medicine questions

A 24 hour old thoroughbred foal is presented (under heavy sedation in these images):

Question	Answer		Article
What opthalmic lesions are evident?	Unilateral traumatic blepharitis Severe eyelid excoriation and oedema Excessive lacrimation		Link to Article
Suggest how the foal sustained such damage?	This foal had NMS and convulsed at 16 hours old, causing self-traumatic lesions to the right side of the face and bony prominences.		Link to Article
What other opthalmic problems may also be present?	Conjunctivitis Chemosis Corneal oedema Traumatic uveitis Blindness Retinal haemorrhage Changes to the optic disc		Link to Article
How would you treat the opthalmic lesions?	The ophthalmic lesions were treated alongside the intensive therapy and supportive care for the NMS. Cold compresses (6 times daily) were used to decrease the eyelid and conjunctival oedema Antibiotic/corticosteroid ophthalmic ointment smeared over the eyelid excoriation and placed in the conjunctival sac 4 times daily. The acute traumatic uveitis was treated with 4 times daily 1% atropine ointment placed in the conjunctival sac and a low dose of NSAIDs given systemically. Broadspectrum antibiotics were already being given as part of the supportive care.		Link to Article