[Etiology and occurrence of periodic eye inflammation of horses in the area of Berlin].

This research paper discusses the causes and frequency of periodic eye inflammation among horses in Berlin. This was determined through the examination of over 130 cases over a 35 years period, revealing that young male horses were predominantly affected, and the inflammation may be due to a hereditary allergic reaction.

Study Overview

• The study examined over 130 cases of periodic eye inflammation, also known as equine periodic ophthalmia (p.o.), in horses.
• The research was conducted at the Equine Clinic of the Free University of Berlin and spanned over 35 years.
• The cases were evaluated statistically based on the age and gender of the horses, the progression of the illness, and the season in which it occurred.

Objective and Aetiology

• The researchers aimed to investigate the origin and cause of the periodic eye inflammation in horses.
• For the purpose of etiology, 71 affected Trotters were analyzed in depth.
• Antibodies related to toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, and intestinal parasites were detected in some of the afflicted horses.

Key Findings

• It was revealed that younger horses, particularly between the age of one to four years, and male horses (63.6%) were more prone to this disease.
• Examinations of the feces did not establish any correlation between p.o. and vermination (infestation) in the horses.
• Tests for toxoplasmosis antibodies rendered no evidence to suggest toxoplasmas play a role in the occurrence of recurrent uveitis (inflammation of the uvea in the eye).
• In contrast, the presence of leptospirosis antibodies, seen in 58.8% positive cases, revealed a significantly higher infection rate as compared to unafflicted horses in Berlin.

Hypothesis and Conclusion

• The frequency of the p.o. illness among certain breeds of Trotters and warmblood horses led the researchers to hypothesize that the condition could be due to a hereditary allergic reaction.
• This allergic reaction would be triggered by various factors, but particularly by an infection without notable clinical signs.