Editor’s note: This article is part of TheHorse.com’s ongoing coverage of topics presented at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference held in February.

Keratitis might have a simple definition–inflammation of the cornea–but the ailment itself is anything but easy to understand. During a presentation at the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., Jacquelin Boggs, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM,stressed just how serious the common equine disorder is if not treated promptly and aggressively.

"Ulcerative keratitis is a common condition in horses due to their large prominent eyes and can be potentially sight limiting if not diagnosed early and treated properly," explained Boggs, who is an equine technical services veterinarian for Pfizer Animal Health.

Clinical Signs
The clinical signs of keratitis are variable and numerous, Boggs said, but ocular pain is a "hallmark" that affects most, if not all, horses with the disorder