Horse Uveitis Welfare Management

Equine recurrent uveitis is a leading cause of blindness in horses. Managing the condition to reduce painful flare-up frequency is a critical welfare priority.

Key Facts

ERU is the most common cause of blindness in horses globally affecting around 8% of horses
Appaloosa horses and warmbloods have elevated breed predisposition
The condition involves repeated inflammatory episodes in the uveal tract of the eye
Anti-inflammatory treatment during flares reduces damage, but recurrence is common
Cyclosporin implants and vitrectomy surgery can reduce recurrence rates significantly

Welfare Considerations

Horses with ERU experience repeated painful ocular inflammation that progressively damages vision. Each flare episode causes acute pain characterised by squinting, tearing, and light sensitivity. Without intervention, repeated flares lead to blindness over years. Many horses manage well with progressive unilateral blindness, but bilateral blindness presents greater welfare and management challenges. Surgical options including cyclosporin implants and vitrectomy have improved long-term outcomes for affected horses at specialist referral centres.

What You Can Do

Seek prompt veterinary treatment at any sign of ocular pain, cloudiness, or squinting
Discuss referral to an equine ophthalmologist for horses with recurrent uveitis episodes
Protect affected eyes from UV light with appropriate fly masks
Maintain consistent medication regimes as prescribed to reduce flare frequency
Prepare management environments for horses with progressive vision loss to reduce hazard risk