Moon Blindness (Uveitis) in Horses
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What is moon blindness?
Watch for the warning signs of equine recurrent uveitis and consult a vet to begin treatment immediately.
Equine Recurrent Uveitis
This condition, known more commonly as moon blindness, is an affliction of the horses' eye. It can occur in one or both eyes.Also called periodic ophthalmia or chronic intraocular inflammation, the cause can be a number of possible irritations or infections. One cause is believed to be the bacteria leptospirosis.
It is painful to the horse, and as the name implies, returns over time -- resulting in eventual blindness.
Symptoms of ERU
Watch for these most common signs:• increased tearing (clear drainage from eye)
• squinting
• redness or swelling of the tissues surrounding the eye
• cloudiness or discoloration of the eye
The horse may not appear to be in pain, however, glaucoma causes a "headache" type feeling, and should be treated without undue delay. You should not expect your horse to perform at his best with a constant untreated migrane any more than you could.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your regular veterinarian may refer you to an equine ophthalmologist. It is very important to measure the amount of pressure inside the eye (intraocular) and most general practice vets do not have the equipment to do so. Blood tests may also be advised.Prognosis is fair to poor in terms of vision loss. Appaloosas seem especially prone to blindness due to ERU. Treatment can provide comfort and prolong vision in most cases. Treating moon blindness is a lifetime commitment; there is no cure.
Topical ointments are commonly prescribed for treatment up until a time which significant vision loss has occured. Each attack of uveitis adds to the previous damage, so it is important to continue treatment even when no physical signs are present.
about a week after enucleation
Additional issues
ERU can also cause secondary glaucoma to develop. This increased pressure inside the eye is both uncomfortable and blinding. If glaucoma does develop, the eye will likely need to be removed. This surgery is known as enucleation.Surgery is costly. Many owners will opt to have the horse humanely destroyed, rather than have it endure the constant discomfort or try to accomodate a blind horse.
about a month after enucleation
Read up
Links that may be helpful
Merck Veterinary Manual
The Merck Veterinary Manual (MVM) has served veter more...0 points
Equusite.com - Cause of Common Eye Problem Identified - Equine Recurrent Uveitis, moon blindness research, periodic ophthalmia
Cause of Common Eye Problem Identified - Equine Re more...0 points
Understanding ERU
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Today's Horse - Ask the horse expert: Moon Blindness
Drinking Water. We asked horse training expert Dr. more...0 points
Moon Blindness
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Understanding moon blindness -
A 1st class equestrian site with everything for ho more...0 points
Allergy Bedding, Allergy Mattress & Pillow Covers Factory Direct | Allergy Guard Direct
Allergy bedding, allergy pillows and dust mite mat more...0 points
My horses' story
The horse you see pictured on this page to illustrate ERU and enucleation is my TWH gelding Titan. Read more about him at his own lens, linked here.-
Titan the one-eyed wonder horse, aka Fatty McFurball
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He isn't perfect, but he's perfect for me. I love my fluffy old buddy. He's in his late teens, he's constantly overweight no matter the season, and he's as furry as a Shetland pony. He's not beginner safe, his hooves grow too fast and chip easily,...
u c a horse Framed Tile
Price: 11.99 
u c a horse Rectangle Magnet
Price: 5.99
u c a horse Mug
Price: 14.99
u c a horse Journal
Price: 13.99
Comments.
Do you have tips for other horse owners regarding moon blindness or other eye issues, such as discharge due to allergies ... or do you just want to comment on this lens? Leave me a message!
XP wrote...
Ever seen a half-blind horse barrel race?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90tjR9mssJI
(We did great, except when I accidentally ran him into a barrel on his blind side! Ooops!!)
Posted August 26, 2008
AllHorses wrote...
Thanks for the nice comments! Titan is doing great. You do have to remember to talk to him as you approach his blind side. The biggest problem I've seen is that the alpha horse will exploit his weakness and nip at him when he can't see what's coming! Big meanie.
Posted August 09, 2008
cowgirlup1123 wrote...
I have seen horses like this. It makes me sad to see them. But I love how informative your lenses are.
Posted July 11, 2008
RinchenChodron wrote...
Very informative! Congratulations on your new Giant Squid Status!!
Posted July 03, 2008
