PUBLICATION V52
Equine Enucleation FAQs
If you have questions about this resource, contact the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Summary
Frequently asked questions about equine enucleation, a surgical procedure involving complete removal of a horse’s eye with permanent closure of the eyelids. Enucleation is recommended for horses with a painful blind eye, severe or worsening infection, cancer, or conditions requiring long‑term, frequent medication when vision cannot be preserved. The surgery is most often performed under standing sedation with local anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases. An optional silicone orbital implant can be placed to maintain facial appearance, with a small risk of infection or rejection. Post‑operative care includes oral pain medication, wound monitoring, temporary bandaging, use of a fly mask, limited exercise for about two weeks, and veterinary recheck. Most horses recover well, adjust quickly to vision loss, experience significant pain relief, and return to normal activities with minimal long‑term complications.
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