Equine Eye Diseases

[Etoile]

Is anyone here familiar with eye diseases in horses? I was at the barn today, and I noticed that my horse's left pupil is yellow in the center. It's as if there are two yellow lines going through it. I checked with two other owners there and the man that owns the farm, and none of them have seen anything like it.

When you move your hand in front of his eye, he doesn't blink like he does when you do it to the good eye. We're thinking he might be blind in that eye. I called the vet, but since it's not an emergency, they won't be out until Tuesday or Wednesday. It doesn't seem to bother him, I'm just worried.

From the pictures I've seen online, I'm thinking it might be Moon Blindness (Equine Recurrent Uveitis). I can't be sure, though. I'm not a vet, and that's just what it kind of resembles. Has anyone seen anything like this?

[Brónach Druid]

Sorry I don't know anything about it, but I hope its easily treatable and your horse is better soon!

[Etoile]

Thanks! :) The vet still hasn't been out, so I'm still not sure what's going on with him. Whatever it is, I just hope it's not something that can spread to his other eye.

[Ceffyl]

Thanks! :) The vet still hasn't been out, so I'm still not sure what's going on with him. Whatever it is, I just hope it's not something that can spread to his other eye.
How is your horse doing now? Is his eye still red or is it looking better? The discolorations in the horse's eye can be caused by several things: cuts, infections, etc.

Eye problems are nothing to mess with or wait to go away. Your vet should (ideally) be out the same day or early the next day after you call.

Good luck.

~Ceffyl

[Etoile]

Well, he's definitely blind in that eye. It's still a yellow-y color. They're not sure what it is, maybe a cataract, maybe uveitis (but probably not, as there were never any other symptoms of that), maybe something else. His iris and pupil have apparently fused to his lens, and his pupil can no longer dialate.

It doesn't seem to be causing him any pain, so that's good. The vets also doesn't think it'll spread to his other eye, which is also good. One said she was going to do a bit of research and get him to me if she comes up with anything.

Have you ever seen anything like this?

[Ceffyl]

Well, he's definitely blind in that eye. It's still a yellow-y color. They're not sure what it is, maybe a cataract, maybe uveitis (but probably not, as there were never any other symptoms of that), maybe something else. His iris and pupil have apparently fused to his lens, and his pupil can no longer dialate.
Unfortunately, I have heard of that happening but don't know why. However, there is a really good teaching/research vet hospital nearby and they might have some suggestions. Happy to give you their contact info.

It doesn't seem to be causing him any pain, so that's good. The vets also doesn't think it'll spread to his other eye, which is also good. One said she was going to do a bit of research and get him to me if she comes up with anything.

Have you ever seen anything like this?

I hope your vet is able to find out what is causing it. Is your horse adapting okay?

Thanks for the update on how he is doing.

[Etoile]

Mostly he does little things like bump into his water bucket, or jump a little if you pat him and he doesn't know you're there. I just do my best to let him know where I am, and reassure him by talking to him a lot.

I'd definitely be interested in the contact info if you have a minute. It would be nice to have a more definite idea of what's going on with it.

[Brónach Druid]

I am so sorry to hear this news. Hope you are able to get some good information and that he adjusts well. :hugz: for your horse.