Equine infectious keratitis: Diagnosis and treatment

Infected corneal ulcers often have associated corneal edema, a stromal cellular infiltrate, keratomalacia, stromal loss, and severe anterior uveitis. Cytology and culture for bacteria and fungi are essential. Antibiotics should be administered every 2 hours via a lavage system for bacterial ulcers, and antifungals should be administered every 2 to 4 hours via a lavage system for fungal ulcers. Treating anterior uveitis with topical atropine and systemic NSAIDs is imperative. An anticollagenase such as serum can be administered if keratomalacia is present. If appropriate therapy has been initiated and there is no improvement, surgical therapy should be considered.