Introduction
Equine recurrent eyeitis (ERU), also called moon blindness, can cause inflammation of the eyes and lead to vision loss in horses. This is the leading cause of vision loss in horses. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage or even blindness. ERU is a condition that can be unpredictable and has no known cause. There are many preventive and treatment options that can be used to treat the condition and prevent any further damage. We will be discussing how to prevent equine-recurrent uveitis from horses in this article.
What is Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)?
Equine recurrent eyeitis (equine uveitis) is an inflammation of a layer in the middle of the horse’s eye called the uvea. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage or even blindness. ERU is an undiagnosed condition that has no known cause. However, some factors like light sensitivity, trauma and genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of this condition. ERU is more common in older horses but can also affect any horse.
Signs and Symptoms
ERU symptoms can vary from horse-to-horse, but they are generally:
- Excessive blinking or squinting
- Eye redness
- Cloudiness of the eyes
- Incontinence or pain
- Reduced vision
It is crucial to get your horse examined by a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that it may be suffering from ERU.
ERU Treatment and Prevention
Treatment
ERU treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and medication. These could include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as flunixin meglumine and phenylbutazone, can be used to decrease inflammation and pain. To reduce inflammation, corticosteroids might also be prescribed.
- Atropine: Atropine can be used to reduce light sensitivity, and it can improve vision in cases where ERU is present.
- Surgery: This is for severe cases where scar tissue needs to be removed or a detached retina repaired.
Prevention
You can take preventive steps to lower the risk of ERU in horses. These are:
- Make sure your horse has plenty of shade and protection from the direct sun.
- Reduce any eye trauma, such as scratching and rubbing.
- Regular eye examinations are important for horses.
- Consider using fly masks or eye protection if your horse is susceptible to ERU.
- Give your horse regular exercise and a healthy diet.
FAQ
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Q. What’s the best way to stop horses getting ERU?
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Q. What is the best treatment of ERU?
A: Horses can be protected from ERU by providing shade and shelter from the sun, minimizing any injury to their eyes, regular eye exams and eye protection.
A: ERU is best treated with a combination medication and lifestyle changes such as atropine and anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Conclusion
Equine recurrent eyelid uveitis (ERU) is a unpredictable condition that has no known cause. There are many preventative and treatment options that can be used to treat the condition. You can reduce the chance of ERU in horses by providing shade and shelter from the sun and by protecting them with eye protection like fly masks while out in the sunlight. The treatment options include lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, atropine, or surgery. Visit http://en. for more information.