Uveitis

[Slightlyconfused]

Hi guys, I have done a search so have some idea but wanted to see if there is any other updates etc

So 19 yr old appy has had his first bout of uveitis in his right eye, swollen shut and blue eye, two and a half weeks ago. Cream in eye, cleares up, stopped cream as directed after two weeks. Eye was back to normal.

Roll on last night ans eye has gone blue again but no swelling. Vet out this morning and no sight whats so ever in that eye. Changed to a different drop and now has metacam for pain. His other eye is fine.

He has gotten to 19 with only having floaters in both eyes and being a very white few spot appy he has been lucky this hasn't happened before.

If we cannot get it under control to the point it goes and he has his sight back or even if he stays blind but is not in pain then we have the below options as a family we have agreed on.

Implants, which we need cost of etc and recovery time.

Eye removal which i have a few friends who have gone through this so i know its an easier recovery

Or if the options and recovery will not suit his other issues, arthritis and has had a few ligament injuries which have healed in the past and is sound now but cannot do long term box rest etc he will be pts. He is retired as he keeps coming sound, starting walk work a few times a week, tries to express his inner 12hh pony even though he has the turning circle of a tank at 16:3 and hurts himseld again ?‍ so he is growing old disgracefully ?

Can anyone share their experiances of both the eye removal and the implant thing and the recovery?

Please no pts comments as we do know as a family this is an option on the table if the above look like they will not be suitible to his quality of life. We would like experiances of the treatments if anyone has any.

 

[LEC]

Have you got him in a guardian mask 24/7? I have attached results from UV mask tests.

Also look to feed and what’s going in. We had great results boosting immunity with science supplements gut stuff. I used to ride and compete everytime in a Equivizor so effectively the eyes were never uncovered if outdoors.

we had two really bad bouts but have managed to get it under control with a complete look at horse and management and had no issues with blue eye since. Even managed to reduce fly mask this year. Too paranoid to live without it completely.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Have you got him in a guardian mask 24/7? I have attached results from UV mask tests.

Also look to feed and what’s going in. We had great results boosting immunity with science supplements gut stuff. I used to ride and compete everytime in a Equivizor so effectively the eyes were never uncovered if outdoors.

we had two really bad bouts but have managed to get it under control with a complete look at horse and management and had no issues with blue eye since. Even managed to reduce fly mask this year. Too paranoid to live without it completely.

Its on order.

His feed is basic, grass, hay or hayledge depending on what he wants and oat straw chaff to cover his supplements. He doesn't need more than that.

Thank you woll.have a look.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I was going to say equivizor too!

A friend had her appys eye removed and surprisingly made a quick recovery. She rode with blinkers for a little while to get him used to the difference, now he does a full turnaround to see cause hes a nosey wee bugger ? she still rides and he has a happy wee life ?

 

[ycbm]

Horse in the barn I'm in has only one eye and I have previously competed novice BE against a horse with one eye. They seem to cope remarkably well.

As an appy owner with UV sensitivity recently I understand how upsetting this must be. Fingers crossed for you.

 

[JumpTheMoon1]

Try Homeopathic remedies and herbal remedies.
https://www.mcdowellsherbal.com/success-stories-for-horses/528-montes-recovers-from-uveitis

 

[tatty_v]

Definitely second the guardian mask. My boys uveitis has been completely under control since we got one ?

 

[HollyWoozle]

Sending good vibes to you and your boy. We also have an Appy who has had a couple of bad uveitis bouts but it's well-controlled now with good masks - we have a Guardian but also a Kensington Uviator which is great (not quite as strong protection as the Guardian but he keeps it on better).

 

[vmac66]

A friends horse has just had the implant. Horse spent a few days in leahurst but is recovering well. It takes 6 weeks for the implant to work fully, it's the size of a grain of rice and lasts between two to four years. Leahurst have said that the majority of horses that have had the implant don't need another one as it seems to halt any more progression. Horse will still have to wear eye protection when out in light but hopefully no more uveitis attacks

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Thanks all. Will go through the replys with the family.

 

[paddy555]

Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) Support/Info Group

if you join the above FB group you will find lots of practical experience of people having implants, the cost (this is GA), the success rate etc. Not all have had Leahurst's success rate.
you will also find lots of people who have had eye removal and their experiences.

also experience of masks, recovery masks and e vysor goggles.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

Thanks paddy have joined the group.