Equine Recurrent Uveitis is a non-specific immune-mediated disease characterized by multiple recurrent or persistent episodes of intraocular inflammation. This disease is considered the main cause of blindness in horses.
The clinical signs associated with this disease vary depending on its stage of evolution, but it is possible to observe signs of pain or intraocular discomfort in most situations. Some of these signs are blepharospasm, photophobia and miosis.
Several infectious agents have been associated with the initiating mechanism of uveitis in horses, although there are also non-infectious causes. The infectious disease most frequently associated with cases of uveitis in horses is Leptospirosis, with clinical signs usually only occurring one year after systemic infection. However, in most situations, it is not possible to determine the initial cause.
The main objectives of medical treatment are to reduce and control intraocular inflammation and preserve the horse’s vision. Initial therapy essentially consists of administering drugs with anti-inflammatory properties. However, this treatment does not prevent new episodes of inflammation from happening in the future. Fortunately, new techniques have been developed, namely the surgical application of intraocular cyclosporine implants, leading to a slow and continuous release of this substance, which allows a more effective control of inflammation in the long term.
Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) is a non-specific immune-mediated disease characterized by multiple recurrent or persistent episodes of intraocular inflammation. This disease is considered the main cause of blindness in horses, with the first episode of uveitis often occurring in adults between 4 and 6 years of age.
The clinical signs associated with this disease vary depending on its degree of evolution, but it is possible to observe signs compatible with uveitis, such as photophobia, blepharospasm, corneal edema, flare, hypopyon and miosis. In cases of chronic uveitis, the development of secondary cataracts and vitreous degeneration is common.
Several infectious agents have been associated with the initiating mechanism of uveitis in horses, although there are also non-infectious causes. The infectious disease most frequently associated with cases of uveitis in horses is Leptospirosis, with clinical signs usually only occurring one year after systemic infection. However, in most situations, it is not possible to determine the initial cause.
The main objectives of medical treatment are to reduce and control intraocular inflammation and preserve the horse’s vision. Initial therapy essentially consists of oral and topical administration of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. However, this treatment does not prevent recurrence of new episodes of ERU in the future. Fortunately, new techniques have been developed, namely the surgical application of intraocular cyclosporine implants, leading to a slow and continuous release of this drug, which allows a more effective control of inflammation.