- Equine Recurrent Uveitis
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Equine Recurrent (Periodic) Uveitis, ("Moon Blindness", Recurrent Iridocyclitis) is an acute, non-granulomatous inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye, occurring commonly in horses of all breeds, worldwide. The causative factor is not known, but several pathogeneses have been suggested. It is the most common cause of blindness in horses. In some breeds, a genetic factor may be involved.
Contents
Aetiology
There are several suggested aetiologies, and any combination of these may be present in any given case.[1]
It has been suggested that the disease is primarily auto-immune in nature, being a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to any of the above agents.
Clinical Signs
In the acute stage of the disease, a catarrhal conjunctivitis is present, with signs of ocular pain, usually blepharospasm, increased lacrimation and photophobia. Miosis is also usually present. After a few days, this will progress to a keratitis and iridocyclitis. Other ocular problems may also occur, including conjunctival and corneal oedema, and aqueous flare.
After an acute flare-up, there may be no clinical signs of disease for a prolonged period, which can vary from a few hours to a few years. When there are frequent acute incidents, additional clinical signs may be seen, including anterior and posterior synechiae, poor pupillary responses, cataracts, and a cloudy appearance to the vitreous humour.
Diagnosis
The cornerstone of diagnosis is an accurate history, and a good clinical examination of the eye, in order to eliminate traumatic uveitis. Ultrasonography is a useful tool, as it can detect a thickened iris, but only in the hands of an expert.
Treatment
During an acute flare-up, therapy is targeted at reducing the inflammation present, and dilating the pupil. Mydriasis is important, as pupillary constriction is the primary reason for pain. Anti-inflammatory therapy is usually given both systemically, often in the form of Flunixin Meglumine, and topically, as prednisolone acetate. The mydriatic of choice is atropine. In the periods between acute attacks, no therapy has been shown to be beneficial.
Prognosis
Horses that suffer from this disease can never be considered cured, although they can be managed by careful use of the therapy described above, and fast detection of new flare-ups. If the disease is not properly treated, it will eventually lead to blindness.
Genetics
There is a genetic component to ERU in some breeds of horse, notably the Appaloosa, which has a higher than usual incidence of blindness.[2]
References
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