Uveitis

[pricklyflower]

I've been doing a bit of research into Uveitis in horses as I thought I had found a perfect horse but only for the vetting to be stopped early on as the horses eye was red and inflammed.

So first question - is an inflammed eye generally known as Uveitis irrespective of what the underlying cause is?

Secondaly, it seems (from my understanding) that there are a couple of things it could be due to; either a trauma or recurrent equine uveitis (which I think is more commonly known as moon blindness??). Is there anyway a vet could tell whether it was one or other?

Obviously, if it has been caused by a trauma then now it's completely healed there would be no need to worry but if it could be the recurrent one then it's not a risk I'd want to take with a potential purchase.

Oh and the horse is an appy x and I think they are more prone to the recurrent one anyway......

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Hi hun. There are several EXTERNAL reasons why a horse could have a red and inflamed eye: damage in the field, eg stabbed by a bramble; conjunctivitis which is a usually mild bacterial infection; icy cold winds; flies; foreign body in the eye (sometimes still there); reaction to chemicals eg fly repellant been sprayed into the eye; etc etc etc. One of the primary causes for INTERNAL damage causing red and inflamed eyes is recurrent equine uveitis, sometimes called moon blindness because it tends to come and go in synch with the phases of the moon. Uveitis can often be controlled for ages by the horse wearing a special face mask that has 2 special grids that fit over the eye and cut out a vast amount of UV light. It's called a Guardian mask and I know that many Forum members have had success with these masks. So if you already owned and loved a horse that went on to develop uveitis, though it would be serious, it certainly isn't the end of the world. It's a whole different ball game though to deliberately buy a horse with a condition that may or may not respond to treatment and that may or may not develop in the other eye too. I have to say, I would never buy a horse with confirmed uveitis. Too risky for endless vet costs, insurance exclusions (guaranteed!), management issues, etc. I guess you first need to know whether the condition IS uveitis or something harmless. Take care though - don't let your heart rule your head x

 

[pricklyflower]

Thank you!

Do you know if a vet can tell whether the problem he's had with his eye is one type or the other or is it a matter of just waiting to see if the condition appears again? Would you consider 5 weeks a long time for the eye to heal?

I think I've come to the decision to pass this one by and keep looking for my perfect horse, I don't think I could deal with any potential heartache. Like you say you'd have to deal with it if you owned a horse that developed it but a different kettle of fish buying one that could potentially have the condition already.