Learn how your horse’s nasolacrimal duct works and how problems can be solved.

Question:

My gelding has a blocked tear duct that the eye specialist has been unable to reopen and suggests surgery — sewing a new tube into his face. Are there any alternative treatments?

Tanya Ritchie

Answer:

Tanya,

The nasolacrimal duct (tear duct) runs from the medial canthus of the eye to just inside a horse’s nostril. That’s why, when you cry, your nose runs.

Occasionally, the duct is blocked with dirt or mucous, which causes the horse’s eye to water and run down his face. Back flushing the duct usually removes the obstruction. However, in some cases the duct is permanently closed either due to scar tissue or other causes. The only solution then is to surgically implant a tube to provide drainage. Once the surgery has healed, the tube can be removed.

This procedure is commonly done in people. I’m not aware of any other procedure that would work if back flushing is not effective. Hope this helps.

– Dr. Tom R. Lenz

Dr. Lenz is an American Association of Equine Practitioners member veterinarian and a regular columnist in The American Quarter Horse Journal.