A rare eye disease affecting horses has been spreading in the Highlands, vets have warned.

Inverness-based Kessock Equine Vets said keratitis was a serious and painful condition that could result in permanent injury.

It said it has seen several cases in the past month, when normally it would only be diagnosed once a year.

The cause, a herpes virus, spreads when horses are in close contact with each other.

Horse owners were warned to be vigilant and contact a vet if they see symptoms.