Vickie's Uveitis

A couple of weeks ago one of the volunteers noticed something wrong with Vickie's left eye and spoke to Cheryl about it. Dr. Duval was called and she determined it was Uveitis.

Uveitis, or "moon blindness" is an inflammation of the inside of the eye. It is associated in some cases with leptostira bacteria, it also has an immune-meditated component. Uveitis can be sub clinical where no outward signs are seen until the horse turns up blind in one or both eyes. Uveitis can be very painful, and can effect one or both eyes, usually in time both eyes are affected. Uveitis isn't contagious and studies have shown that the condition, and blindness, does seem to be more prominent in Appaloosas compared to other breeds. Aside from aspirin therapy, antibiotics, bute and banamine, there is little that can be done to prevent ERU from reoccurring.

The past two weeks Vickie has been receiving 2 eye medications six times a day. This seems to be helping. In addition to that, she also has a special face mask by a company called Guardian that has a 95% Sunshades eye block that has proven to help alleviate the symptoms associated with horses suffering Uveitis. Suffice it to say, it's a very tricked out, and expensive fly mask that one of the volunteers paid for.

Dr. Duval continues to check on her progress. No word on when she will return to her buddies in the pasture. I'll keep you posted on her progress. For now, know she is well cared for and comfortable.

Vickie is a pasture horse, accustomed to roaming the grassland in the back of Cheryl's property with two other horses. These past two weeks she has been staying at The Barn Inn in Stall #12 ! She's not thrilled about the accommodations, but loves the service !