ERU again :(

[Swift08]

About 10 days ago my ponies ERU flared up again. We thought it was to do with the dust in his bed and the stress of moving yards. The straw was very dusty and it was replaced to our usual stuff which is low dust and he is normally fine on. After 5 days of eye drops he was fine but we bought him in today and it was back again

We have never had 2 lots so close together and have no idea what is now causing it. Or could it be that the last bout from 10 days ago didnt clear up properly??
Any ideas?

 

[MrsMozart]

Scuse ignorance, but what s ERU?

 

[Swift08]

oh sorry it means equine reccurent uveitus

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Doesn't sound good news swift08. You will already know that a further bout of ERU can be caused by internal or external factors, stress or by stopping the previous anti inflammatory meds too soon. It is an immune-mediated disease so very difficult to treat. My understanding is, sadly, that each episode lasts longer than the last and each time the eye loses more sight. Have you tried a mask to keep the light levels down? Many people swear by them and find they allow the horse to live an almost normal life. You would need the proper mask from USA, not an ordinary fly-mask. This site is very informative, if you haven't already seen it: http://www.igs.net/~vkirkwoodhp/eru.htm

Good luck x

 

[hellybelly6]

Same as moon blindness?

Oh poor pony and poor you.

I hope he makes a speedy recovery. x

 

[Swift08]

Hi
thanks to both replies

Its a real shame as he is only 5 and he hates having eye drops and things but still trusts us! Luckily the new yard we are at is in an enclosed barn and low light levels compared to before. I hate the thought of him losing his sight but if it happens then it happens

Thanks for the link, i have not seen that site before so will have a look

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Sunny developed a terrible auto immune disease in his eye called superficial keratitis. As it progressed, there was uveitis within the eye too. Long 6 month battle was finally lost and Sunny had to have his eye removed to stop his terrible 24/7 pain 3 yrs ago. He's absolutely fine now and does everything he did before. If the worst should come to the worst with your lad and you want to know what happens and what to expect, just PM me. Fingers crossed for you and ned xxx

 

[MrsMozart]

Just had a look at the site Box of Frogs posted

Fingers crossed it clears up quickly. Hugs.

 

[Swift08]

thanks you

i have a feeling he is going to lose it eventually...probably in the next few years knowing my luck

Sorry to hear about your horse and i will definatly contact you if it has to be done.