Trailer dangers

SOME horse owners can be seen to travel their animals with the top front door of the trailer open during transport. Veterinary eye specialist Natasha Mitchell MVB DVOphthal MRCVS strongly advises against travelling horses in trailers with the front top door open.

The risk of ocular injury is high, as a flying stone or even an insect can impact on the cornea causing a variety of injuries such as keratitis and corneal ulceration. Passing branches can flip back causing significant scratches to the eyelids and eye itself. Even rain spray from the towing vehicle can cause conjunctivitis.

The use of a mesh grill, fly mask or blinkers would reduce the risk of ocular damage, but it is still not worth the risk. If a horse’s eye is closed or tearing after travelling, or if the cornea is cloudy, there should be no delay in calling the vet to examine it and provide timely treatment.

However, these are potentially serious injuries that can be prevented with a common sense approach, considering the dangers far outweigh the benefits.

In the event of a horse getting spooked they could also see an open door as a potential escape route in a crisis and attempt to jump through it.

It is also likely that insurance would not be valid in the event of an accident, as travelling in this manner is not the intended use of the top door.

Natasha Mitchell MVB DVOphthal MRCVS regularly consults at Greenmount Equine Hospital RVH

Web: greenmountequinehospital.ie

Tel: 061 513777 / 087 994 7682

Email: greenmountequinehospital@gmail.com

Address: Greenmount Equine Hospital, Greenmount Park, Limerick Racecourse, Patrickswell, Co Limerick