Would you take on a companion pony with cataracts?

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NELSON11

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A friend has a 4yo trotter x pony who has been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes making him unsuitable for riding really.

She is looking to see if anyone would take him as a companion as cannot keep him. Personally I would probably have him PTS, but does anyone know of a sanctuary/person who may be able to help her?

I think she may struggle to find anyone although very sweet young man to have around
 
If I had the time and the finance to take on this little chap, I would. I have just read that cataracts in most horses can be removed successfully.
Here is a link, but don't scroll down if you find graphic eye photographs upsetting.
http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/vth/clinical_services/equine/ophthal.html#cataracts
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My old horse was nearly blind in his final years. His main problem was a night, but we left the yard lights on and his best buddy was a pure grey . It was like they were joined at the hip at nighttime !
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Hope your friend can find a good home for this poor horse who's had a shaky start.
Teg :)
 
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I've seen that there are some expensive eye drops out there that can slow down the process of cataracts in horses/ dogs. I have no idea how effective they are but I'm sure if someone was committed to the little pony that they could try it and give him a good life.
 
my girl has a cataract in one eye - you would never know! Are the cataracts so large as to make him blind? If not then I would ride him and keep him in work. Does he act differently? I would only have pts if they are affecting his quality of life. Though if she can't find a good home for him and can't keep him herself then I would pts so save him being passed pillar to post.
 
We have a 33yr old at our yard with them and shes got them severly :(

Shes fine as long as she doesnt move stables/fields. If she knows her area, where the fence/food/water is shes a very happy litte soul!
 
When I first started hanging around horses, there was a horse at my sister's friend's farm with them. This was way before treatments were available and that horse was fine with them in both eyes. She was no longer ridden, but they didn't bother her much unless you made a sudden movement close up.
 
Apparently the vet has said they are very severe and he really isn't safe to be ridden. I know Liverpool do some cataract surgery, not sure how successful it is.

He isn't spooky to handle as such a sweetheart but understandably jumpy to ride.

Poor chappy.
 
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