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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Prognosis and impact of equine recurrent uveitis.
Equine veterinary journal2015; 48(3); 290-298; doi: 10.1111/evj.12451

Prognosis and impact of equine recurrent uveitis.

Abstract: Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a leading cause of vision loss in horses. Objective: To assess the prognosis and impact of ERU on affected horses and their owners by evaluating the signalment, treatment and outcome (including the loss of use, vision assessment and economic loss). Methods: Retrospective impact study. Methods: Medical records of horses presenting to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Health Complex (NCSU-VHC) with ERU between 1999 and 2014 were reviewed. Signalment, clinical signs, ophthalmic examination findings, treatments and outcomes were evaluated. Owner questionnaires were completed regarding vision, job/role, monetary value, diagnostic and treatment costs, concurrent illness and outcomes. Results: Records of 224 horses (338 eyes) with ERU were reviewed. There was an overrepresentation of Appaloosas (54; 24.1%), Hanoverians (11; 4.9%) and other Warmbloods (13; 5.8%). Ninety-six eyes (28.4%) were diagnosed as blind and 38 eyes (11.2%) with glaucoma on initial evaluation. Leptospirosis titres of serum and/or aqueous humour were obtained in 88 horses and were positive in 40 horses (45.5%), with L. pomona being the most frequently isolated serovar. Globe loss at the NCSU-VHC occurred in 41 ERU eyes (12.1% of total). Owner questionnaires were evaluated in 194 horses (86.6%) and 91 horses (46.9%) were reported blind in the affected eye(s). Fifty-seven horses (29.4%) did not return to their previous role, while 61 (31.4%) performed at a reduced level. Equine recurrent uveitis decreased the monetary value of 164 horses. Twenty-nine horses (14.9%) were euthanised and 37 (19.1%) underwent change in ownership as a direct result of ERU. Conclusions: The impact of ERU is attributed to the high frequency of blindness, globe loss and loss of function. Euthanasia and change of ownership are common sequelae to the progressive nature of ERU. These factors, along with financial costs of the disease, have a significant impact on affected horses and their owners.
© 2015 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2015-07-15 PubMed ID: 25891653DOI: 10.1111/evj.12451Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The research paper discusses a study conducted on equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), a common cause of vision loss in horses. The study aimed to assess the disease’s impact on the affected horses and their owners by examining their medical history, treatments used, and outcomes. The study showed that the disease leads to a significant loss of vision, functionality, and in some cases, results in euthanasia or change of ownership.

Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a retrospective impact study spanning from 1999 to 2014 by reviewing medical records of horses that presented with ERU at North Carolina State University Veterinary Health Complex (NCSU-VHC).
  • Details like ultimate outcome, signalment, clinical symptoms, results of ophthalmic examinations, and administered treatments were evaluated.
  • Additionally, owner questionnaires were completed to gather information about the horse’s vision status, job/role, cost implications, concurrent illnesses, and other outcomes.

Results

  • The study reviewed the records of 224 horses, with 338 affected eyes.
  • On initial evaluation, 96 eyes were diagnosed as blind, and 38 eyes had glaucoma.
  • A disproportionate number of ERU cases were found in Appaloosa, Hanoverian, and other Warmblood breeds.
  • Serum and aqueous humour leptospirosis titres were taken from 88 horses, and 40 were found to be positive. L.pomona was the most common isolate.
  • Globe loss at the NCSU-VHC occurred in 41 ERU affected eyes. Owner questionnaires for 194 horses showed that almost half were blind in the affected eye(s). Additionally, over 30% of horses performed at a reduced level post-ERU.
  • The disease also led to diminished monetary value of 164 horses.
  • As a direct result of ERU, 29 horses were euthanised, and 37 underwent change in ownership.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that ERU has a significant impact due to the high frequency of blindness, globe loss, and loss of function it causes.
  • Euthanasia and change in ownership were common due to ERU’s progressive nature.
  • The financial burden imposed by the disease also has a significant impact on affected horses and their owners.

Cite This Article

APA
Gerding JC, Gilger BC. (2015). Prognosis and impact of equine recurrent uveitis. Equine Vet J, 48(3), 290-298. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12451

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 48
Issue: 3
Pages: 290-298

Researcher Affiliations

Gerding, J C
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA.
Gilger, B C
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Southeastern United States
  • Uveitis / epidemiology
  • Uveitis / pathology
  • Uveitis / therapy
  • Uveitis / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 38 times.
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