Periocular disorders of the eyelid and conjunctiva in young sheep and goats

Eyelid and Conjunctival Disorders in Young Sheep and Goats

The eye of a sheep/goat is very susceptible to infections, irritations and parasites. At a young age the immune system is weaker and therefore problems are more common.

1) Conjunctivitis

Common causes

   •  Bacteria – Chlamydia pecorum, Mycoplasma spp., Moraxella ovis

   •  Viruses – usually as part of a respiratory illness

   •  Environmental irritation – dust, strong wind, ammonia in the barn

   •  Trauma – scratches and trampling by a lamb/kid

Signs

   •   Red and shiny eye

   •   Profuse tearing

   •   White/yellow discharge

   •  Light sensitivity (photophobia)

   •  Sometimes swelling of the upper eyelid

Treatment

   •  Ocular antibiotics (ointment/drops) – as directed by a veterinarian

   •  Rinse the eye twice a day with lukewarm water or sterile saline

   •  Reduce dust and ammonia

2) Blepharitis

Causes

   •   Bacteria following irritation or wound

   •   Insect bites

   •  Rare allergy

   •  Secondary infection to skin diseases around the eye (fungus, scabies)

Signs

   •   Swelling of the eyelids

   •  Redness at the edges

   •   Scabs on the lash line

   •   Pain and itching

   •  Sometimes difficulty opening the eye

Treatment

   •  Gentle cleaning of the eyelid with a diluted solution of chlorhexidine

   •  Antibiotic-inflammatory ointment

   •  Antiparasitic treatment if the cause is scabies

   •  Preventing environmental irritation

3) “Pink Eye” – Keratoconjunctivitis (injury to the cornea + conjunctiva)

Considered the most serious problem.

Causes

   •   Bacteria – Moraxella ovis (in sheep), Mycoplasma conjunctivae

   •  Rapid infection in the herd

Signs

   •   Very red eye

   •   Opacity in the cornea

   •   Strong tearing

   •   Eye closure

   •   In severe cases: corneal ulcer and even temporary blindness

Treatment

   •  Systemic antibiotics (veterinarian only)

   •  Antibiotic drops/ointment

   •  Avoidance of strong sunlight

   •   Isolation of infected individual

   •   Sometimes temporary tying of the eyelid to protect the cornea

4) Parasites around the eye

Causes

   •   Mites (scabies) around the eyelid

   •   Flies that transmit bacteria

Signs

   •  Itching, rubbing the eye

   •   Cracks and scabs around the eye

   •  Secondary conjunctivitis

Treatment

   •  Systemic treatment against parasites (ivermectin/other new generation – only under the direction of a veterinarian)

   •   Hygiene and fly prevention

5) Blocked tear duct (rare)

Signs

   •   Chronic tearing from one eye

   •  Recurrent conjunctival infection

Treatment

   •   Irritating the duct – only done by a veterinarian

6) Environmental factors that exacerbate all problems

   •   Dust in the barn/house

   •   Strong sunlight

   •   Dry wind

   •   Overcrowding

   •   Many flies

   •   Dirty bedding and high ammonia

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.