Cataracts

[TheresaW]

Anyone any experience with these? Had vet out to Dolly yesterday as she has had a weepy eye on and off for a couple of weeks. He thinks it is a blocked tear duct and we have drops for 2 weeks, then got to call him and let him know how it is. He also said she has 2 tiny cataracts forming, but they are nothing to worry about. Am not overly worried, but am wondering what that means generally. Didn't think to ask while he was there, but will do when I update him about the weeping.

 

[POLLDARK]

The cataract diagnosis may not be correct as, when selling a horse, the Vet said he had a cataract in one eye. the sale flopped on that but when I next went to the Vets they took him in a dark room to have a look. NO CATARACT !! They said it must have been an infection that has cleared up. So what I am saying is all may not be lost for you plus there are plenty of one eyed horses out there doing marvellous things.

 

[helencharlie]

Charlie has a cataract in his right eye. This was as a result of being kicked in the head 5 years ago. He has also got a blocked tear duct as well. With his cataract it is only small and does not appear to affect his vision at all. I usually get the vets to check this out once a year. Over the 5 years that he has been checked no change has been detected to it. However, the insurance company had to be informed of the cataract and has a result both eyes have been excluded on his policy. With regards to the blocked tear duct, Charlies right eye attracts many flies at this time of year due to the weeping, this can result in flare ups of conjuntivitis. Very easliy treated with eye ointment. I find that a fly mask usually prevents this from happening. I hope my experience helps you. Charlie happily competes in dressage, showjumping and does some showing classes. His eye conditions do not appear to have any affect on the quality of his life and what he does.

 

[TheresaW]

Thank you both for replying. The vet did say not to worry about the cataracts, so will try not to. With regards to the blocked tear duct, she was attracting a few flies, so does wear a fly mask all the time now. Will see how we go with the drops. Neither problem seems to bother her which is the main thing.

 

[Imonone]

My loan pony had one. It had only recently developed and made him a bit spoooky as he came to terms with it, but he still managed everything he had before. The worry is if they get one in the second eye and their sight is at risk.
The good news is that vets will now operate, but as it has been said before often the insurance companies exclude them from the policy.