Swollen Eyelids: Does Your Horse Have an Eye Injury?

A study conducted at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky found that not all horses with severely swollen eyelids had injuries to their eyes. In fact, in only one of 10 horses was this problem related to damage to the eye itself. In five other cases, the horses showed enlargement of the lacrimal (tear-producing) gland, a condition that is often caused by a bacterial infection. Three horses had eyelid abscesses that caused swelling. All horses with abscesses and lacrimal gland enlargements made full recoveries after treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.