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Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Equine Recurrent Uveitis Discussed at Vet Ophthalmology Meeting
Equine recurrent uveitis, also called moon blindness, is the leading cause of vision loss in horses. Brian Gilger, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, chief of the Ophthalmology service at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, covered the topic at the first AAEP Focus on Ophthalmology meeting in Raleigh, N.C., last month. The condition ... Read full story
 11/19/2009
Glaucoma Discussed at Equine Ophthalmology Meeting
Glaucoma, a group of diseases resulting from alterations in the formation and drainage of aqueous humor (clear eye fluid), which causes an increase in intraocular pressure above what's compatible with normal function of the retina and optic nerve, was another topic covered by Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, professor of Ophthalmology at University ... Read full story
 11/13/2009
Corneal Ulcers: Prompt Treatment Key to Success
Advancements in the diagnosis of corneal ulcers, as well their medical and surgical treatment, were among the topics covered by Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, Professor of Ophthalmology at University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, during the first AAEP Focus on Ophthalmology meeting, held in Raleigh, N.C., in October. Brooks said ... Read full story
 11/1/2009
Third Eyelid Tumors Require Prompt Vet Attention
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers in horses. Commonly appearing as small, wartlike bumps on the eyelid or surface of the eye, they require early treatment. While a conscientious owner might quickly notice a new lump on the shoulder of his or her equine friend, even the most watchful horseperson will miss a concealed third ... Read full story
 10/29/2009
Eyelid Issues Discussed at Equine Ophthalmology Meeting
From lacerations to cancer, issues commonly affecting the equine eyelid were among the topics tackled by Brian Gilger, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, chief of the Ophthalmology Service at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, during the first AAEP Focus on Ophthalmology meeting, held in Raleigh, N.C., earlier this month. With the ... Read full story
 10/27/2009
Equine Recurrent Uveitis Biomarker Research a Real Eye Opener  *
Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the most common cause of blindness in horses and is believed to affect approximately 10% of the equine population. The exact cause of ERU remains unclear, although researchers have shown that recurrent bouts of inflammation involving activated T-cells (cells largely responsible for cell-mediated immunity) lead to destruction ... Read full story
 10/15/2009
Coat Color Studies Aid Health Research, Breeding Choices   *
The topic of coat color and coat patterns is of great interest to horse breeders. Color can substantially increase a horse's marketability. All else being equal, a buyer is often willing to pay more for a horse with an attractive color pattern. This has led to a wide variety of colors and patterns in many breeds and an increase in the number of breeders ... Read full story
 9/21/2009
Equine Visual Laterality Reinforces Horse Handling Traditions  *
The convention of leading and mounting the horse from the left might be more than just tradition, according to a new study from St. Andrews University. The study, led by Kate Farmer, MA, at the Harmony Center in Austria, shows that horses generally prefer this arrangement too, and not just because this is how they are trained. The researchers compared ... Read full story
 8/2/2009
Horse Eye Problems to be Focus of AAEP Fall Meeting  *
The treatment and diagnosis of conditions affecting the equine eye will be the topic of the AAEP's debut fall meeting, Focus on Ophthalmology, Oct. 1-3 in Raleigh, N.C. Ocular trauma, infection, and disease can lead to some of the most expensive and devastating conditions in horses. Equine veterinarians treating sport, work or show horses must be ... Read full story
 7/14/2009
Watery Eyes Can Indicate a Serious Problem: Equine Recurrent Uveitis  *
Unless your mare has had a bad breakup with the stallion next door, her watery eyes could indicate a serious problem. While there are many reasons for a horse to have excessive tear production, it's a classic sign of equine recurrent uveitis, also known as moon blindness. Although years ago it was thought that the disease came and went with the cycles ... Read full story
 7/6/2009
Cataracts in Foals  *
Horses can be born with cataracts due to developmental or heritable causes--known as congenital cataracts. Foals with cataracts often present very early in life, usually at 1 to 2 months of age. Typically, the owners will notice the whiteness in the pupil of one eye almost immediately after birth. This change is often followed closely by the other ... Read full story
 5/23/2009
Preventing and Handling Eye Injuries  *
Eye injuries and infections are not uncommon in horses, but minor problems left untreated can quickly become serious and result in blindness if unattended. Here are some recommendations for preventing problems and some guidelines to follow if your horse should sustain an eye injury. One way to prevent problems is to ensure that your horse's environment ... Read full story
 5/16/2009
WEVA: Tips on Examining the Equine Eye  *
Not only is recognizing an abnormality of the equine eye important, but correctly interpreting the observed changes--which can be subtle--is imperative. "This is particularly true for riding horses where the safety of the rider is paramount," relayed Derek Knottenbelt, OBE, BVM&S, Dipl. ECEIM, MRCVS, from the Philip Leverhulme Hospital at the ... Read full story
 4/20/2009
Scar Wars: Improving Visual Outcomes in Corneal Ulcer Correction  *
"My job is to help horses see better, and to help you guys to help horses see better," said Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Florida at the fourth annual Promoting Excellence Symposium of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP), held Sept. 25-27, 2008, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. ... Read full story
 4/7/2009
"Sticky" Third Eyelid
Q: Twice, my 12-year-old Paint gelding has gotten his third eyelid "stuck" over the top of his eyeball for 10 or 20 seconds. The first time was when water splashed in his eye during a bath. He tossed his head, rolled his eye upward, and the third eyelid stuck over the top of his eyeball, blocking his vision. Today the same thing happened when he rubbed ... Read full story
 4/1/2009
FAEP 2008 Symposium  *
Laminitis, corneal ulcers, and R. equi were among the topics veterinarians and researchers discussed at a conference in the Caribbean. Thirteen presenters took to the podium, covering lameness, reproduction, and medicine topics at the fourth annual Promoting Excellence Symposium of the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP), held Sept. ... Read full story
 4/1/2009
New Surgery for Deep Corneal Abscesses  *
Deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty, a surgical technique for managing deep corneal abscesses in horses, is both effective and cosmetically pleasing according to University of Florida veterinarians. Caryn Plummer, DVM, Dipl. ACVO, from the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine explained, "Corneal abscesses are an important cause ... Read full story
 12/27/2008
Diode Laser Treatment for Headshaking a Burning Success  *
California researchers aren't shy when it comes to managing headshaking in horses. According to a case report published in the Nov. 15 edition of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Jeannine Berger, DVM, Dipl. ACVB, and colleagues from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine wielded their trusty infrared ... Read full story
 12/8/2008
Kentucky Colt with Type-1 Diabetes Might Be First  *
A colt born with type-1 diabetes might be the first documented equine case of the illness, according to his veterinarian, Nathan Slovis, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Ky. The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, aptly named Justin Credible (his owners say the name was picked out before he was born), was born on Oct. ... Read full story
 12/3/2008
Connection Between Silver Dapple Color and Eye Abnormalities Found   *
Horses come in a fantastic array of colors from black to gray, from bays to chestnuts, and with or without varying amounts of white. The glorious spotted coats of Appaloosas are a common sight for western Canadians, as are golden palominos. On the other hand, silver dapple is a color that's still on the unusual side. The color occurs in several breeds--including ... Read full story
 11/13/2008
Leptospira Not an Important Factor in Recurrent Uveitis, Researchers Say  *
As a result of aggressive research efforts, the underlying causes and factors contributing to recurrent uveitis--a painful and debilitating condition that is the leading cause of blindness in horses--are becoming known. "Recurrent uveitis is an immune-mediated disease, but the inciting cause of the flare-ups remains unknown," explained Brian Gilger, ... Read full story
 11/1/2008
Prosthetic Eye Gives Horse a Shot at Show Career  *
A miniature horse has been given a second chance for a career as a show horse--thanks to a prosthetic eye. The 65-pound horse, named KBuck, was born June 1 at Lil Chums Miniature Horse Farm in Lawton, Okla., and lost its eye a few days after birth. Owner Kelsey Chumbley, 12, said she suspects the young horse was the victim of a swift kick from its ... Read full story
 10/14/2008
Treating Seasonal Headshaking with Eye Drops   *
Horses that shake their heads in an unexpected, intermittent, potentially violent, and apparently involuntary way are not only frustrating, but widely deemed unsafe for the rider or handler. Horses suffering from seasonal headshaking can display either a vertical or horizontal movement. They might flip their noses as if an insect was up the nose, ... Read full story
 10/7/2008
Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center Highlights Specialized Eye Care Availability  *
It's been just a few months since board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist Gwendolyn Lynch, DVM, Dipl. ACVO, became affiliated with Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center. But in this short time, Lynch has provided many patients with much-needed specialized eye care, using equipment not available elsewhere in Northern Virginia. ... Read full story
 10/4/2008
Shedding Light on Night Blindness in Appaloosas  *
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in Appaloosas has been linked to the leopard complex spotting in these horses. But how are these two apparently independent genetic features related? According to researchers, both CSNB and spotting pattern in Appaloosas are thought to be caused by a gene called "transient receptor potential cation channel, ... Read full story
 8/31/2008
Suspended Jockey Responds to Whipping Incident   *
Jockey Jeremy Rose was suspended for six months following a stewards' hearing the morning of June 24 for whipping his mount Appeal to the City in the face during the third race at Delaware Park June 23. (For more on this see "Jockey Suspended for Using Whip on Horse's Face." ) In the official ruling, Delaware Park stewards contended that Rose "engaged ... Read full story
 6/26/2008
Equine Corneal Ulcers Discussed In-Depth at AAEP Convention   *
At the 2007 AAEP convention's In-Depth Ophthalmology session, Caryn Plummer, DVM, Dipl. ACVO, assistant professor at of the University of Florida veterinary school, described the outer corneal layer (epithelium) as the windshield of the eye, and explained that it is protective and supportive to underlying corneal tissues. Beneath the epithelium is ... Read full story
 5/14/2008
See No Evil: Merits of Standing Enucleation Revealed  *
In the first multi-institutional study of its kind, researchers recently reported that eye enucleation (surgical removal of the eye and associated structures) with the horse standing and sedated is safer and more economical than the traditional method of enucleation in fully anesthetized horses, and it's equally effective. Veterinarians typically ... Read full story
 5/13/2008
Cataracts in Horses   *
Maria Kallberg, DVM, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Florida veterinary school, reported on cataracts in horses at the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla. She explained that a cataract is an opacity of the lens or lens capsule that obscures vision, as opposed to nuclear sclerosis, which is ... Read full story
 5/6/2008
Equine Color Vision Research: Seeing Things Differently  *
If you have a horse of a different color, chances are your horse knows it--although he might not be able to say if he's red or green. New physiological and behavioral research by various teams across the globe has added weight to the hypothesis that horses can see a wide range of colors, but they don't see them the same way humans do. "Virtually ... Read full story
 4/30/2008
Virginia Tech Offers New Equine Ophthalmology Service  *
Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center has added an ophthalmology service through an alliance with Scottsdale, Ariz., based Eye Care for Animals. The new offering, which became available on March 4, is provided by Gwendolyn Lynch, DVM, DACVO, a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist and associate doctor at Eye Care for Animals ... Read full story
 4/24/2008
Medical and Surgical Treatment of Uveitis   *
Mary Utter, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school, continued the discussion on eyes at the In-Depth session on Ophthalmology held during the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla. She underscored the observation made by other ... Read full story
 4/19/2008
Training a One-Eyed Horse  *
Q: I am a barn manager at a Dutch Warmblood farm. I have a filly that turned 2 in March. She has been in the field for a year (the owner is out of the country and can't return). She was born with one eye, and I need to train her. I have ridden one-eyed horses, but I've never taught them from such a young age. I also feel I need to change her feed, ... Read full story
 4/1/2008
In-Depth: Examining the Equine Eye   *
Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, of the University of Florida veterinary school, led the panel at the in-depth session on ophthalmology at the 2007 AAEP convention in Orlando, Fla., held Dec. 1-5. He was excited to share many new ideas that have developed in the last six months to allow veterinarians to save eyes and sight. He stressed that in ... Read full story
 3/24/2008
Study: Corneal Transplants Safe and Effective in Horses   *
According to a retrospective study involving 206 horses, corneal transplants can successfully restore vision in horses with a variety of eye problems including melting ulcers, iris prolapsed, stromal abscesses, and in horses that were not responsive to medical management. The overall success rate was 88.5%. Corneal transplants can be performed using ... Read full story
 3/9/2008
TheHorse.com Videos: Vet Procedures
New glaucoma procedure (Courtesy Dr. James Clinton) (0:51 min) 12/13/07 Read article University of Georgia staff corrects uterine torsion using ropes, a plank of wood, and a burly volunteer (0:41 min) 11/6/07 Read article Dr. Bruce Lyle's Matscan pressure mat for gait analysis (1:21 min) 8/27/07 Read article Matscan to assess and ... Read full story
 2/4/2008
Beanie, A Public Servant  *
Ignore adversity. If it were possible for a horse to have a motivational motto, this might be Beanie's choice. Despite a life fraught with challenges, the mare has stood tall, both literally and figuratively, and many people have reaped the rewards of her kindness and perseverance. For nearly two decades, the Masterson Station Park Equestrian Program, ... Read full story
 2/1/2008
Horse Recovering from New Glaucoma Procedure  *
VIDEO | A horse that underwent a rare endoscopic laser eye procedure is showing normal intraocular pressure (IOP), a key indication that the procedure has brought his glaucoma under control. In November, veterinary ophthalmologists from the Animal Eye Clinic in Medford, N.J., performed a new procedure called endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation on the ... Read full story
 12/13/2007
Veterinary Ophthalmologists Using New Equipment to Correct Glaucoma   *
Next week, veterinary ophthalmologists at The New Jersey Equine Clinic in Clarksburg, N.J., will perform an endoscopic laser procedure on a horse with glaucoma--one of the first equine uses for a new piece of equipment in the ophthalmologists' toolbox. James M Clinton, VMD Dipl. ACVO of Medford, N.J., hopes to restore vision in the horse's eye using ... Read full story
 11/10/2007
New Web Site Focuses on Blindness in Appaloosas   *
COURTESY BLINDAPPALOOSAS.COM A new Web site launched by the Montana-based Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary examines research on uveitis and blindness in Appaloosa horses, including information from Brian Gilger, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, Chief of the Ophthalmology Service at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Rolling ... Read full story
 9/24/2007
Corneal Infection Treatment  *
Silver sulfadiazine (a topical drug frequently used to treat burns) could be an effective treatment against common corneal fungal infections, according to researchers at Purdue University. Fungal keratitis is a serious, painful corneal disease that is a common and frustrating clinical problem. It accounts for about a third of all corneal infections ... Read full story
 7/1/2007
Derby Horse Storm in May Flying Half-Blind  *
Storm in May will be flying nearly blind in Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Trainer Bill Kaplan paid $16,000 for the colt last April, getting the bargain basement deal because Storm in May is completely blind in his right eye. "It doesn't affect him at all," Kaplan said Monday. "I knew I couldn't buy him for an owner, so I took him back to Calder and ... Read full story
 5/4/2007
Clogged Tear Duct
My horse has a clogged tear duct. Our veterinarian tried to blow it out with saline, but couldn't. We are treating her with antibiotic drops, but it doesn't seem to be improving it. She has a "swelling" on her cheek bone area, and it seems to be progressing up toward her eye. What other treatments are available? Is there a surgical procedure and, if ... Read full story
 4/1/2007
Moon Blindness  *
"Moon blindness" is a chronic, painful eye disease, and it's the most common cause of blindness in horses. It was so named during the 1600s because people thought recurring attacks were related to phases of the moon. This eye disease might be one of the first veterinary diseases ever documented. In the pyramids at Giza (Egypt), there are depictions ... Read full story
 2/1/2007
LSU Equine Eye Surgery Sparks   *
The extraordinary efforts of globe-trotting surgeons, dedicated Louisiana State University (LSU) veterinarians and technicians, and a determined team of horse owners recently combined to preserve the sight of one 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare through a procedure known as a vitrectomy. The surgery is rarely performed and was unprecedented at Louisiana ... Read full story
 12/4/2006
The Eyes Have It at NC State   *
One problem guaranteed to make horse owners cringe is an equine eye problem. But whether your horse has a corneal ulcer, eye injury from a bucket handle, tumor, or what have you, the veterinary ophthalmology department at North Carolina State University (NC State) stands ready to help. Led by Professor Brian Gilger, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, Chief of ... Read full story
 11/11/2006
LSU Performs Unusual Surgery to Save Horse's Vision   *
Professor Hartmut Gerhards with the Clinic for Horses of Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Germany, travelled half-way around the world to perform a vitrectomy on a horse at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Gerhards was assisted by Dr. Bettina Wollanke of Munich, and Eric S. Storey, DVM, MVSc, Dipl. ACVO, assistant ... Read full story
 10/21/2006
Corticosteroids: Short- and Long-Term Effects  *
Of the medications available in the arsenal of anti-inflammatory therapies, there is one type that has caused considerable debate. This is the class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Present naturally to some degree in all animals, corticosteroids are normally produced by the adrenal glands. Their natural actions protect the body against a variety ... Read full story
 10/1/2006
Head Position Affects Intraocular Pressure   *
Intraocular (inside the eye) pressure readings are used in the diagnosis of equine glaucoma. However, researchers with the University of Pennsylvania have found that the position of the horse's head can impact the pressure reading, which could render readings inaccurate. Their study was published in the July issue of the American Journal of Veterinary ... Read full story
 9/26/2006
Meet the Specialist: Veterinary Ophthalmologist   *
Although you've probably never seen a horse or dog wearing glasses, animals do have their own ophthalmologists. Not to be confused with optometrists, who test and fit people for glasses and contacts, ophthalmologists are doctors with medical or veterinary degrees who specialize in diseases and disorders of the eyes. Keeping eyes healthy is important ... Read full story
 9/4/2006
Torn Eyelid
Q: My husband is boarding a 10-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse mare for a friend. When she was loaded in the trailer, she bumped the outside of her eye and split the flesh straight out from the corner about a half inch. It did not damage her eyeball. She has bumped it a couple of more times since then and is extremely head shy due to the discomfort. ... Read full story
 7/1/2006
The Gift of Sight  *
It seemed like a little scratch. His eye was only a tiny bit swollen. Veterinarians said use the ointment a few times per day and he should be in good shape in about a week. Four antibiotics later and weeks of frustration by my local vets-- and they so did try--my horse Bernie was referred to the Cornell University Equine Hospital in Ithaca, N.Y. Why ... Read full story
 4/11/2006
Understanding Congenital Stationary Night Blindness  *
Canadian researchers are investigating the cause of a condition found primarily in Appaloosas that prevents them from seeing in the dark. Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a hereditary, non-progressive condition for which there is no cure, but veterinarians have recommended management techniques that can improve quality of life for affected ... Read full story
 3/27/2006
Does Your Horse Need Sunglasses?  *
Pale-faced horses, like fair-skinned people, need a little extra protection from the sun. While sunglasses and sun screen might be the obvious solutions for fair-skinned humans, they're impractical for horses. Protection from sun glare, however, is as important for horses as it is for humans, because horses with little or no pigment in the skin around ... Read full story
 3/1/2006
Book Excerpt: Ocular Emergencies  *
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Understanding Equine First Aid by Michael A. Ball, DVM. This book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. The eye of the horse is simple in its structure, but it handles complex functions. What something looks like to a horse is unknown. Can the horse see color? Does it see an image in the same way humans ... Read full story
 3/1/2006
Corneal Dystrophy
I own a 12-year-old foundation-bred Appaloosa gelding. Five years ago he was diagnosed with corneal dystrophy, which seems to be extremely stable (it hasn't flared up in more than four years). The surface of the cornea has a slightly rough texture, and the margin with the sclera is not a smooth line. I've heard that this condition is more common ... Read full story
 9/1/2005
Dealing with the Dark
When her gelding, Houdini, first went blind, Jean Wilson was distraught--everyone she talked to insisted that he should either be euthanatized or confined to a stall for safety. Fortunately, Wilson did not listen, and two years later, the pair was chosen to represent their drill team during the opening flag presentation at the Midwest Horse Fair. The ... Read full story
 6/1/2005
Ophthalmology for Ambulatory Practitioners   *
"I have a special interest in eyes, but they're only about 5% of my work," began Ann Dwyer, DVM, of Genesee Valley Equine Clinic in Scottsville, N.Y., at the Western Veterinary Conference Feb. 20-24 in Las Vegas, Nev. "Some problems will always have to be referred to specialists, but the average practitioner can diagnose, treat, and monitor 85% of ... Read full story
 5/1/2005
Ocular Emergencies  *
Editor's Note: This excerpt is from Understanding Equine First Aid by Michael Ball, DVM. The book is available from www.ExclusivelyEquine.com. The eye of the horse is simple in its structure, but it handles complex functions. What something looks like to a horse is unknown. Can the horse see color? Does it see an image in the same way humans do? Despite ... Read full story
 3/16/2005
Ophthalmology for Equine Road Warriors  *
"I have a special interest in eyes, but they're only about 5% of my work," began Ann Dwyer, DVM, of Genesee Valley Equine Clinic in Scottsville, N.Y., at the Western Veterinary Conference Feb. 20-24 in Las Vegas, Nev. "I'm a practitioner, not a researcher. "The life of the road warrior (ambulatory practitioner) is fun, challenging, and never boring," ... Read full story
 3/11/2005
BEVA Shares Education  *
The United Kingdom is famous for its rich history and deeply rooted traditions, but that doesn't mean its veterinarians are bound to ancient methods of equine medicine. Quite the contrary, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) hosts one of the world's most in-depth, cutting-edge continuing education meetings every year--the BEVA Congress. ... Read full story
 2/1/2005
Contact Lenses for Horses  *
While they aren't used to improve vision in horses, soft contact lenses can be used to protect the eye and facilitate healing in horses with non-infected ulcerations. Robert Lowe, BVSc, MRCVS, CertVOphthal, of Downland Veterinary Group in Hampshire, United Kingdom, discussed the use of contacts for horses at the 43rd annual British Equine Veterinary ... Read full story
 12/1/2004
Gold Medal Horse Tests Positive for Drugs  *
Four horses that competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece--including one gold medalist--have tested positive for banned substances. The four positive horses are Irish show jumping gold medal winner Waterford Crystal, ridden by Cian O'Connor; German showjumper Goldfever, ridden by Ludger Beerbaum; German event horse Ringwood Cockatoo, ridden ... Read full story
 10/11/2004
Corneal Endothelial Degeneration
My horse has corneal endothelial degeneration. My veterinarian and I have been using a "control" schedule for some time, but I would like some information about the condition. Janine The cornea of the horse eye is slightly thicker than 1 mm. It consists of outer layers of epithelial cells, a middle stroma made of protein, and a single layer ... Read full story
 8/1/2004
Miniature Horses' Eyes   *
It is tempting for veterinarians to use laboratory reference ranges collected from full-sized horses when treating miniature horses. This is not always appropriate, however, as miniature horses have some breed characteristics that are only now becoming apparent. In fact, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have been diagnosing ocular abnormalities ... Read full story
 4/1/2004
100th Equine Corneal Transplant Performed at UF  *
Veterinary ophthalmologists at the University of Florida completed their 100th corneal transplant on a horse Jan. 9. Courtesy Sarah Carey, UF Dr. Frank Olliver, left, an ophthalmology resident, examines corneal tissue before Dr. Dennis Brooks, right, transplants the new cornea into this horse's eye. "I'm fairly certain that in reaching ... Read full story
 3/10/2004
AAEP Wrap-Up: The Equine Eye  *
Eye problems in the horse were discussed by Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Florida, at Horseman's Day during AAEP. "There are really only two ophthalmic disease: Corneal ulcers and everything else," said Brooks. Therapies are different, and some therapies for the "everything else" can make ulcers ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
Eye Protection from the Sun
I have a 14-year-old Paint/Quarter Horse with one blue eye that has been diagnosed with a "detached iris." His iris appears wide open or not even there. My vet suggested providing his eyes with protection from the sun. What is available? I would also appreciate any information about the problem itself. via e-mail A "detached iris" is actually ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
A Prosthetic Eye for the Horse   *
When Brian Gilger, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, associate professor of ophthalmology at North Carolina State University (NCSU), examined a Thoroughbred gelding referred to NCSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, he discovered thick, cloudy material throughout the anterior chamber of the right eye that obscured his view of the inner eye. Using ocular ultrasonography, ... Read full story
 3/1/2004
AAEP 2003: High-Pressure Eyes (Equine Glaucoma)   *
"Glaucoma (increased fluid pressure within the eye to a level incompatible with eye health) in horses is not well recognized, but look for it in cases of cloudy cornea, corneal edema, or severe unrelenting ocular inflammation," said Brian Gilger, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, of North Carolina State University, during his presentation on diagnosing and treating ... Read full story
 2/23/2004
AAEP 2003: Eye Diseases of the Horse  *
Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVO, is a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Florida. He opened his talk at the AAEP’s Horseman’s Day with a short video of an upper level dressage horse and rider. The horse is competing in fourth level completely blind. This unusual case was caused by the horse stepping on a nail and resulted in a systemic ... Read full story
 2/2/2004
AAEP 2003: Foal Care From Birth to 30 Days  *
Foal care from the first few hours of life to one month can be critical in the overall health and welfare of the newborn foal. With experience caring for 300-500 Central Kentucky foals per year since 1985, Scott Pierce, DVM, MRCVS, of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, summarized his knowledge on "Foal Care From Birth to 30 Days" in his presentation ... Read full story
 1/31/2004
Caring for a Newly Blind Horse
Q. We have a 19-year-old Appaloosa gelding that is going blind fast from a genetic disease. He is not coping with it well; he stumbles around, runs into things, leaves the herd, then gets confused and panics. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. Amanda A. Horses which become blind quickly often are very panicky. Horses which ... Read full story
 4/1/2003
AAEP 2002: Prepping for Standing Eye Surgery  *
Whenever it’s possible to perform a procedure with the horse standing and sedated, it’s better to do that than to use general anesthesia, said Brian Gilger, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVO, founder of the Equine Ophthalmologic Service at North Carolina State University. His presentation at the 2002 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention was “How ... Read full story
 1/8/2003
Retina and Optic Nerve Disease   *
The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body. It consists of 10 layers of cells and nerve fibers. Nine layers compose the sensory retina, with a final layer, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), present next to the choroids (the primary blood supply to the horse retina). Light passing through the cornea, anterior chamber, ... Read full story
 12/1/2002
Soothing Itchy Eyes
My 20-year-old Appaloosa mare seems to have increasingly puffy, swollen eyes each spring and summer. She has white sclera and pigmented skin on her lids. I think the problem is allergy-related, and it seems to be getting worse just the last couple of years. She's kept outdoors, and when it's buggy she wears a face mask, but this doesn't seem to help ... Read full story
 11/1/2002
Equine Glaucoma   *
The glaucomas are a group of diseases resulting from alterations in the formation and drainage of aqueous humor (clear eye fluid), which causes an increase in intraocular (within the eye) pressure (IOP) above that compatible with normal function of the retina and optic nerve. Blindness is the final outcome due to permanent damage to the optic nerve. ... Read full story
 11/1/2002
Understanding Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)   *
Horses exhibit eye pain for a variety of reasons and to varying degrees. As we've discussed previously, the most common cause is corneal ulceration. In this article, we'll discuss uveitis, which requires a very different kind of treatment than that used for ulcers. Uveitis means inflammation inside the eye; it can be combined with other words to describe ... Read full story
 10/1/2002
Cataracts and Lens Problems   *
Everyone has heard of cataracts. We think of them as affecting older humans, and sometimes they are found in children and young adults. Yet, cataracts also are seen in horses. A cataract is an opacity or clouding of the lens (a large transparent structure found midway between the cornea and the retina that is used to focus images close to the horse's ... Read full story
 9/1/2002
The Dreaded Corneal Stromal Abscess   *
The corneal stromal abscess is a very serious and potentially vision-threatening condition that can follow apparently minor corneal ulceration in the horse (see Figures 1 and 4 on page 56). They can be infected and cause severe eye pain. Aggressive medical and surgical therapies have been developed for this frightening and dreaded disease in the horse. ... Read full story
 8/1/2002
Eye Removal
Q: I was just informed that my 2-year-old Quarter Horse needs to have his right eye removed. He is a rescue that I received through the court, and when I got him he was blind in his right eye. My veterinarian says that it looks like he was hit with some type of blunt force, leaving him with no chance of sight. I need to know what the procedure consists ... Read full story
 8/1/2002
Corneal Disease   *
Corneal diseases are collectively termed keratopathies. Keratopathies can be ulcerated or non-ulcerated, and infected or non-infected. Keratopathies can be rather benign diseases, or can be so severe that they result in corneal scarring and blindness if not properly diagnosed and treated. Corneal Lacerations/Perforations Ocular eye trauma can vary ... Read full story
 7/1/2002
Fungal Ulcers in the Equine Eye   *
Fungi are microscopic plants that lack chlorophyll; they are commonly found in the hay, grasses, shavings, straw, and dust of a horse's environment. They normally live in balance with bacteria on the surface of the horse cornea and conjunctiva. For example, nearly all healthy horses living in Florida (95%) have fungi living on the surface of their ... Read full story
 6/1/2002
Bacterial Corneal Ulcers  *
The cornea is a thin and transparent, yet extremely strong tissue that supplies a majority of the eye's refractive, or light-bending, power. It is one of the most sensitive tissues in the body. The thickness of the equine cornea is about 1.5 mm, and it consists of four layers (see "Corneal Anatomy" on page 68): The outer epithelium is a barrier ... Read full story
 5/1/2002
Eyelid Problems   *
This month we continue our in-depth look at the equine eye by focusing on eyelids. Without the eyelid to protect the sensitive structures of the eye, the horse would go blind very quickly. Therefore, even small injuries are important and require veterinary attention. The functions of the eyelids are to protect the cornea from dust and injury, produce ... Read full story
 4/1/2002
Common Foal Eye Problems  *
The foal's eyes are fully developed at birth. Disorders of the foal eye might be noted at birth, or they can be inherited or acquired after birth. Low tear film production, a round pupil, reduced corneal sensation, and a temporary lack of some neurologic eye reflexes are found in all newborn foals, but the values become adult-like with time. These ... Read full story
 3/1/2002
Color Vision In the Horse  *
A recent study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine has shown that horses do possess color vision, albeit a reduced form compared to most people. The cone cells responsible for color vision are arranged in a thin layer at the back of the eye (the retina). ... Read full story
 2/13/2002
AAEP Convention 2001: Surgical Techniques   *
Veterinarians and horse owners can share in a tremendous amount of knowledge from the AAEP Convention. While many of the topics on surgery were designed to help the practitioner learn new techniques and aren't applicable for the lay person, there are other topics that dealt with surgery and its uses that had a message for both veterinarian and client. ... Read full story
 2/1/2002
Look Into His Eyes  *
It is important to approach each eye problem in the horse in an ordered and systematic manner, and also as a medical emergency. Painful eye conditions in horses need thorough evaluation for corneal ulcers, corneal abscesses, and uveal inflammatory diseases (such as uveitis or moon blindness). The majority of cases can be diagnosed by using standard ... Read full story
 2/1/2002
Eye Anatomy and Physiology  *
Editor's Note: Following is the first of a 12-part series on the equine eye. We are bringing you this series because any eye problem should be considered an emergency. The equine eye is very sensitive, and even the slightest injury can result in blindness. While vision in only one eye does not mean the horse must be euthanized, it does somewhat limit ... Read full story
 1/1/2002
Moon Blindness Attacks
Q. Is there any food, treat, or climate that causes moon blindness flare-ups? My horse recently had one, and I want to prevent any more if possible. I already use a fly mask for "sunglasses." Paige A. Unfortunately, we don't know what factors cause recurrence of inflammation in horses with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) or "moon blindness." However, ... Read full story
 1/1/2002
Glaucoma in Foals
I am looking for information on glaucoma in foals. Any information will be helpful. Kelly Glaucoma is a disease characterized by an increase in pressure within the eye that is higher than the eye can tolerate. Glaucoma causes blindness from damage to the optic nerve and retina (the structures that collect light and transmit visual signals to ... Read full story
 11/10/2001
Mysterious Eye Inflammation Traced to Plant Burrs  *
Fall and winter sometimes bring unexplained eye problems in horses and cattle, with irritation and inflammation, or corneal ulcers. Veterinarians at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, and New York State College of Veterinary Medicine have recently discovered the cause. Some of the horses examined at these ... Read full story
 10/15/2001
The Equine Eye  *
It is a common enough scenario. The wind is blowing as you lead your riding mount, racing, or performance horse from the stable to the paddock for exercise. A gust of wind sends a piece of paper skittering past on your right. Your horse, despite your quiet, steady hand on the lead shank, acts as though someone has shot off a cannon. It leaps to the ... Read full story
 10/15/2001
Problems With Blue Eyes?
Q: I'm looking at a Quarter Horse cross who is about 12 years old and appears to be perfectly healthy. My only concern is that he has two blue eyes. I have not had a pre-purchase vet exam done yet due to the vet's busy schedule, but was wondering if there is possibly a vision problem with a horse that has two blue eyes. Loni A: If this horse ... Read full story
 10/12/2001
Wait and See Will Not Work for Equine Corneal Problems  *
A corneal ulcer (ulcerative keratitis) is the most serious eye disease that veterinarians treat. Defined as a lesion in which the outer layer and some of the middle layer of the cornea have been lost, even simple ulcers can quickly progress to larger, more complicated ones if not diagnosed and treated promptly. A corneal ulcer can even lead to an infection ... Read full story
 8/1/2001
Eye Problems In Horses; Link To Foal Loss Unknown  *
Dr. Claire Latimer is a specialist in veterinary ophthalmology, the study of animal eyes. Since May 1, she has seen a surprising increase of eye problems in horses in Central Kentucky that fall into two distinct groups. She said the first syndrome starts with a horse displaying an acute onset of a painful, swollen eye that has discharge. The eye is ... Read full story
 5/18/2001
Uveitis Research Pinpoints Leptospira interrogans  *
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association provides evidence that persistent ocular (eye) infection with the bacterium Leptospira interrogans is much more common in horses with recurrent uveitis than previously thought. The species L. interrogans contains more than 218 separate strains, all of which are ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Problems with Cataracts?
Q: I am thinking of buying a 6-year-old mare that has cataracts in both of her eyes. What kind of problems would I be in for if I decide to buy this sweetheart? via e-mail A: If you are seriously interested in this horse, you should invest in an examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist. The specifics of the cataracts will affect the prognosis. ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
AAEP Convention Topics Preview: General Medicine  *
The latest information on scores of topics is presented at the AAEP convention; we can't report on them all, but we do try to bring you a representative sampling. This year, many of the topics can be grouped into five categories: fighting infection, reproduction, lameness/ injury, medicine, and predicting performance. In-depth coverage following the ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Common Problems and Their Signs  *
The ability to recognize abnormalities depends greatly on a person's knowledge of what is normal. The greater someone's knowledge of normal anatomy, physiology, behavior, and environment of a given animal, the more likely that person is to recognize subtle differences that might be the beginning of a disease process. There can be great differences ... Read full story
 4/1/2000
Periodic Ophthalmia (Moon Blindness)  *
Periodic ophthalmia, otherwise known as recurrent uveitis, uveitis, or moon blindness, can be a devastating disease of the equine eye. It also, unfortunately, is a disease that we really don't know much about. The hypothetical causes have been sporadically researched over the years, but we aren't really much closer to understanding this inflammatory ... Read full story
 7/1/1998
Pseudomonas Infection in Horses  *
Pseudomonas is a bacteria family that can cause many types of illnesses, from loss of sight to reproductive problems to death. Members of the genus Pseudomonas are commonly found in aquatic habitats (wet areas) and in the soil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the species of Pseudomonas most commonly associated with infection in animals and people. Pseudomonas ... Read full story
 5/1/1997
Vision Testing In Horses  *
Have you noticed any changes in your vision? Yes, in fact I'm starting to have trouble reading the street signs while driving. Well then, sit back in the chair and relax. I'm going to dim the lights and have you read the letters while looking through the machine--which letter is sharper? This one or this one? This one or this one? This one or this ... Read full story
 4/1/1997




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