blindness -any help ?

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louby.loo

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Have just discovered my 11 month old tb x hanovarian filly which I have had since weaning is blind in both eyes and has been since birth. I am devastated and just trying to work out what to do. any information / experiences gratefully received thank you.
 
Sorry to hear this.

I know nothing about blindness, but definitely worth asking what may have caused it, so that you can also find out whether anything can be done to correct it.

But you also say you've had your filly since weaning, and that you've only just found out she's blind. How long have you had her, then, and did she behave totally normally when she first came to you and subsequently?

The only reason I ask is that it may be relevant to whether actually her vision has got progressively worse since she's been with you. Because I'd guess a totally blind horse brought to a new environment would probably be bumping into everything from the moment they arrived?

I have some recollection of reading about one of the minerals that can cause blindness if it's deficient, but can't remember which. Will see if I can google anything.

Is it cataracts, and in which case is there anything feasible that they can do in horses? Again, I have some dim recollection that there may be a surgery for that, but that it may be prohibitively expensive...... but I'm too vague on it really.

Hope you find a way forward.

Sarah
 
My vet advises she was born with the condition. nothing can be done. it is very rare and unusual apparantly. cant say whether it is genetic or not. she does not appear blind and no she doesnt bump into things at present.
 
She must have some sort of vision to avoid bumping into things, even if it's just light and shade.

I suppose you have to ask yourself if it's fair on her to carry on as she is and whether you are prepared to look after her for a very long time if you do decide to keep her.

All down to quality of life really, and whether you are happy keeping what is basically a useless horse as a pet.
 
What condition is it which has caused her blindness?

What is her behaviour/attitude/demeanour like when she is in the stable, on the yard, in the field, in company of other horses, being led etc?

What led you to ask the vet to look in her eyes?

How long have you had her?

Sarah
 
My cousins horse has now gone completely blind in both eyes due to catarax. He's 18/19 now it has taken about 3-4 yrs for him to go completely blind. When his vision went he started to panic, like when leading him in his stable he use to walk into the door/doorway. Then once out in the field a tractor spooked him and he ran straight into the gate and dented it. He has to be turned out with her Shetland that has to wear a bell on his head collar so he can hear him. The vet has also told her to stop riding him out on the roads too. But she still takes him out which I think she is an idiot! He does do well for a blind horse, she has had to change everything she does with him and the way she goes about it. It is a shame. :(
 
How sad, I don't know what I would do in your position , we had a almost blind brood mare she had lost one eye when young and had severe cataracts in the other the only time you could tell was when she had a very small foal and she worried a bit we just needed to give a bit more TLC and support then .
You need to research what it is all about then decide no one should condem you if you decide to PTS but what a horrible position to be in I am so sad for you and the mare.
 
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