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  Discussion on Constant Tearing in Eyes
Author Message

Posted on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 4:18 am:

Dr. O:

We have a 5yo Arab gelding who is constantly tearing in both eyes. The tears leave a 6-7 inch track down both sides of his face. He doesn't seem to scratch or do anything else that would indicate painful irritation. The tears are clear and watery. He doesn't flinch when I try to examine the eye by opening the lids and I can't see any obvious signs of irritation or inflamation (although I really don't have the experience to say and my wife is in the last 2 mos. of pregnancy and not able to go to the barn and give a better diagnosis ... bummer!).

I beleive the problem is dust and I don't really have a way of reducing the dust significantly as it is the start of summer here in Phoenix and their stalls are open rail stalls adjacent to a 300'x 150' arena. Our 3 horses are the only ones on the property but when they are out playing the air becomes thick with dust. There are sprinklers but they only help as long as they are on. Even a muddy mess can be sun dried in a very short time. Any suggestions on what I might do on a daily or regular basis? Should I be concerned for a greater problem developing?

Thanks,

Dennis & Beth

Posted on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 7:27 am:

Dennis have you had the nasolacrimal ducts checked? This should be your first step. See the article associated with this forum for more.
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2002 - 2:13 am:

I had a horse with just what Dr. O is speaking about. The procedure to flush the ducts is simple and fast and does seem to be painless. To avoid eye irritation, I would keep a good quality fly mask ( that also affords some protection from the sun's rays) on all the horses as much as possible. I'm near the sandy Jersey shore, and the masks cut down on the rough summer sun, wind and sand. They may help in Phoenix....but I've been there in August, and I've ridden there in August. Yikes!!!! It's so hot out there, it's SCAREY!!!!
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