Treatment ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE Treatment for in general depends

upon the underlying cause as well as Ranked third in the nation among the severity of the symptoms. In most colleges of veterinary medicine by cases, the eye is treated with topical anti- U.S. News & World Report, NC State’s inflammatories and a -dilating agent to College of Veterinary Medicine is a decrease the pain and inflammation. Oral driving force in veterinary innovation. anti-inflammatories such as Banamine® From our leadership in understanding (Flunixin meglumine) are also instituted, and and defining the interconnections in select cases bodily injections of steroids between animal and human health, to may be necessary. While these treatments groundbreaking research in areas like are helpful in subsiding the inflammation equine health, and our commitment to and pain - they’re not ideal for long-term training the next generation of veterinary use. If infectious disease is suspected to health professionals, we are dedicated be the cause, laboratory tests should be to advancing animal and human health performed followed by medical treatment if from the cellular level through entire recommended. ecosystems.

If a horse responds favorably to medical therapy, Cyclosporine Implants may be an option for long-term management. This is the surgical implantation of a small Cyclosporine medicated disc that’s placed deep within the pink tissue surrounding the eye (sclera), it Equine Recurrent Uveitis slowly releases medication over a period of (ERU) several years. This medication modifies the reaction to the immune system and reduces NC State Veterinary Hospital Moon Blindness; Periodic Ophthalamia inflammation. Equine Ophthalmology Email: [email protected] PH 919.513.6659 • FX 919.513.6711 Ophthalmology 1060 William Moore Drive • Raleigh, NC 27607 ncstatevets.org/equineophtha/ What is Uveitis? This gradual progression type of ERU is more common in Appaloosa horses. The term “uveitis” comes from the word “uvea”, which refers to the inner tissues of the eye, The second type of uveitis is more obvious including the (colored part of the eye). The sooner to owners. The horse’s eye(s) produce “-itis” part of “uveitis” means inflammation, so tears, a mucous discharge, and the normally uveitis is a name for a group of diseases that white/pink tissue around the eye turns bright cause inflammation inside of the eye. red. The horse may also squint or rub their Mature induced by ERU; horses that eyes, and the eyelid could become puffy or lose vision from caused by ERU are Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU), or “moon swollen. These symptoms may vary, and poor candidates for cataract surgery. blindness,” is the most common cause of appear seasonally, at times of stress, or after blindness in horses. ERU is caused by an over- vaccinations and deworming. The periods of reaction of the horse’s immune system, which discomfort occur when inflammation peaks, causes inflammation in the eye.Typically this and are followed by periods of comfort when occurs after an initial ocular injury or infection. the inflammation subsides or is gone. Exposure to a bacteria, virus, parasite or other irritant will trigger the immune system to turn on DIAGNOSIS and the inflammation the body produces starts Diagnosis of ERU is done by a complete a cycle of damage. Leptospirosis, a bacterial ophthalmic examination, we recommend infection caused by coming in contact with Corneal disease caused by steroid use and a full examination by a board-certified Leptospira contaminated water, is a known iridal damage due to ERU; horses that develop veterinary ophthalmologist. The exam trigger for ERU. corneal disease from ERU pose further includes utilizing specialized equipment to medical treatment challenges. look at a microscopic view of all parts of the SYMPTOMS eye, a fluorescein dye test to evaluate the Uveitas can be divided into two varieties health of the , tonometry to check based on symptoms. The first type being a for glaucoma, and if possible pupil dilation more gradual progression, which is difficult for and a retinal exam. Sometimes an ocular owners to spot until their horse begins to show ultrasound is necessary to view the back symptoms of vision loss. This type involves chamber of eye if the pupil will not dilate low grade, consistent inflammation that causes well, or a cataract is present. The ultrasound damage over time and leads to vision loss- but can offer more information about any damage is not painful for the horse. Owners become present in the back of the eye, such as a The 6mm diameter non-dissolvable concerned when their horse begins running into retinal detachment, allowing a more accurate cyclosporine implant developed by Dr. things, spooking more often, or having trouble Brian Gilger’s Ocular Immunology, prognosis for vision. navigating the ground. Toxicology and Drug Delivery Laboratory.