Feeling a bit sad :(

[PollyP]

I've had my share boy for about 5 months now and in that time have fallen head over heels for him! He's just perfect in every way!
He's an old boy of 25 but still very active. He's a shire x cob.
Yesterday the YO called me over and told me he had started bumping into things. (I don't turn him out, I only go up early afternoon and muck out etc etc) She said she had turned him out a few times and he had just walked bang on into a metal post, and the gate, and the fence, he also seems quite unbalanced, so i haven't ridden for a few weeks. She basically said to keep an eye on him as his eyes might not be as good as they should be.
I bought him in and he just seemed really sad.
Another livery suggested shining a light into the corner of his eyes to check them out.
I did both and there's a bluey/white film over both pupils.
I've got the vet coming on Tuesday but am worried about what they will say. His owner has said if he is going blind she will be putting him to sleep. I would rather him go sooner rather than later, rather than causing him any problems but just wondered if anyone had had any experience of this type of thing with their own horses?
X

 

[Shysmum]

Oh I am so sorry, that's awful for you. I don't have any experience of it in horses, just in my elderly terrier, who has that film across her eyes, and is losing her sight. With a horse it's very different i would imagine, do keep us posted.

(((((HUGS)))))) sm x

 

[cheeryplatypus]

That's so sad
I've heard that blind horses can sometimes get on fine if they have a sighted field mate to look after them.
Hope the old boy is ok.

 

[PollyP]

Thanks both.

Cheery he is a bit of a loner already so wouldn't have a fieldmate to guide him. My poor poor boy. He just breaks my heart. He's the kindest, gentlest soul, without a bad bone in his body. I've noticed him hitting his face against the stable wall when he goes back to eat his hay and am thinking this must be because he can't properly judge the boundaries.
Yes shysmum I imagine in a large horse it's very different. Such a shame for him. I wanted him to retire and live a life of luxury and as many polos as he could manage! Just dreading what the vet will say

 

[Ridingondreams]

I haven't got any useful advice, but I hope it's something treatable! Poor guy

 

[cheeryplatypus]

Has he got full whiskers?
May be worth contacting somewhere like redwings for advice? They must have dealt with oldies like this before. Give them a call and see if they have any suggestions.

Maybe it will be something simple like an infection or maybe steroids will help. Hope the diagnosis is treatable, you sound like a lovely sharer.

 

[PollyP]

Yes, he's completely hairy all over!
That's really good advice, I may give them a ring tomorrow just to see if they have experience with this kind of thing before.
I really hope it's something simple, although I fear for the worst as he seems to have been slowly going downhill recently and has lost a bit of weight. Bless him. I just want to wrap him up and cuddle him
X

 

[ladyt25]

Aw, how sad

However, don't start worrying until the vet has actually come and given their thoughts. seems odd it would come on quickly which your post suggests but then I have no personal experience of horses going blind. I just figured (unless trauma to the eye) it would be a gradual thing hence why horses generally cope quite well as they steadily get used to it and learn to use their other senses.

Just give him lots of fussing and try not to worry too much. Sadly, age is something we can't do anything about

 

[PollyP]

Thanks Lady, I actually noticed a slight clouding a few months ago, but he was happy and healthy within himself, so I didn't worry. He's started to deteriorate now, my lovely lad
Obviously can't come to any definite conclusions until the vet has been but I'm expecting the worst.
The horrible thing is, his other sharer has still been riding him and I assume will continue to do so this weekend! The owner doesn't actually seem too bothered about him which makes me even sadder. I just want to look after him and take complete care of him.
I know he's getting on, but just want him to carry on with no stress, pain, and just to be happy in himself for as long as he can be x

 

[Twinkley Lights]

So sorry but there is a really good item on blind horses in this months Your Horse. Might be worth showing to his owner.

 

[mandwhy]

Aww, that is sad, if you are there for when the vet comes mention that he is still being ridden by the other person and hopefully they will tell the owner no riding, if that is the case. I wouldn't be riding either, he could get freaked out if he can't see things well, poor chappie.

Hopefully there will be something that can be done and it sounds like he is lucky to have you as a sharer

 

[Tiffany]

No experience of this but just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear he's bumping into things. Hope he's ok, please let us know after vet visit.

 

[PollyP]

Thankyou all, will update after vets visit x

 

[Mariposa]

So sad, he sounds like a sweetheart, fingers crossed for a happy outcome..