Eye injuries

[debneale]

I am really interested in a horse that had a thorn in its eye as a foal. As a result it has 50% vision in one eye and is now 5 years old. It has been checked each time a vet has come out and there is no deterioration. Can a problem develop at a later stage from an earlier injury? She is perfect in every other way.

 

[blond1]

A similar injury was picked up when I had my daughter's first pony vetted. The eye had an injury at some point and had healed. The vet described the eye as being like an onion with different layers. As far as I understood from the vet if any foreign body was still present in the eye it could work its way out and cause problems. However, the more time that passed, the less likely there would be any problems. The injury affects her sight on the left side and restricts her vision behind her by about 10 to 20 %. The pony was 5 at the time with a lovely attitude/temperament. As the vet could find nothing else on a full vetting, I bought the pony. The pony has been with us now for 5 years and I've not had any problem with the eye (or the pony!!). Try speaking to your vet to get his professional opinion on it.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Injuries to eyes are usually total accidents so providing there's no sign of the thorn still being lodged with in the eye (doubt if it is), it would take a further accident to make matters worse. My horse had to have an eye removed and whilst the remaining eye is healthy it does mean he now has no more "spares" which is worrying if I sit and think about it. If it were me I'd ask at the vetting (you need to have one) what the chances are of the eye deteriorating further because of the existing damage. If they are reassuring, I'd go for it. You do need to bear in mind though that not everyone would feel this way so the resale value of the pony might be affected. This should be reflected in the sale price.