Long-Term Use of Maxitrol for Uveitis

[HollyWoozle]

My mum's Appaloosa was diagnosed with Uveitis in September 2018, firstly in the left eye but has also had a mild case in the right eye since. Originally treated with Maxitrol 3 x a day, steroids in his food and Danilon. We are down to Maxitrol once a day and he wears a UV mask all day, everyday. This has generally kept it at bay, but occasionally his eye becomes sore - this evening his right eye is swollen and running. Last week his left eye was the same, but we gave him a Danilon and extra Maxitrol and by morning it was OK again.

I understand that using Maxitrol is not recommended in the long-term, but the vets suggested that we should continue at present if it is keeping it at bay as essentially we don't have another option. Now I am wondering if using the Maxitrol is now actually causing these sore episodes as I think it can have some long-term effects... I don't think it can be the Uveitis causing such short term swelling and soreness when the pupil appears OK, no cloudiness etc. With that in mind, I wonder if maybe we're better off just to stop using Maxitrol and see what happens? We will obviously consult the vets but I just wondered if anyone has any thoughts.

Noah has been so good throughout it all and we would love to save him/his eyes essentially!

 

[EventingMum]

I recently had a horse with recurrent posterior uveitis in both eyes pts, the decision was made as he also had psd and had had PENS treatment for headshaking. I couldn't really comment on the long term use of Maxitrol but if he hadn't had the other problems I would have investigated the implants that can be put into the eye. I don't know all the details but I understand from the vet one can be done with standing sedation and another with a GA, I was told they're about the size of a grain of rice and continually deliver medication to the eye so give long term relief. Sorry to be so vague, as I said we decided our boy had too many issues to investigate further but it might be worth asking about in your case?

 

[Britestar]

I have one with uveitis and glaucoma. I was given maxitrol and timolol for her.
I used them for about 6 months and then stopped. She wears a UV mask everyday.
Occasionally she comes in with a puffy closed eye - if the mask came off, but sometimes for no reason. I find its always ok the next morning without any treatment.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thank you, Britestar. That is very interesting to know!

 

[HollyWoozle]

I recently had a horse with recurrent posterior uveitis in both eyes pts, the decision was made as he also had psd and had had PENS treatment for headshaking. I couldn't really comment on the long term use of Maxitrol but if he hadn't had the other problems I would have investigated the implants that can be put into the eye. I don't know all the details but I understand from the vet one can be done with standing sedation and another with a GA, I was told they're about the size of a grain of rice and continually deliver medication to the eye so give long term relief. Sorry to be so vague, as I said we decided our boy had too many issues to investigate further but it might be worth asking about in your case?

Thank you for your thoughts and I am sorry for your loss.

 

[RamblingRosa]

I've been using Maxitrol for the last year. My horse has chronic keratitis in one eye, vet is happy for me to use it long term. I tried stopping but it flared up within a week so I'll keep using it.

 

[Leo Walker]

I use Maxitrol periodically when I have a flare up of iritis/uvetis. I dont know if its the same for horses but for people it stings and causes blurred vision. My eyes will weep for a little bit after using it, but sting and be uncomfortable for a lot longer. I hate using it as it effects my sight so much. Timolol makes me violently sick to the point I have to have anti sickness drugs!

 

[Rusvergald]

I've been using Maxitrol for the last year. My horse has chronic keratitis in one eye, vet is happy for me to use it long term. I tried stopping but it flared up within a week so I'll keep using it.

Hi there I have just had a horse with the same condition and wondered when you stopped the maxitrol what were the signs of the flare up please?

 

[Rusvergald]

Hi there I have just had a horse with the same condition and wondered when you stopped the maxitrol what were the signs of the flare up please?