What Is Moon Blindness In Horses

Equine recurrent uveitis is characterized by inflammation occurring inside the eye first impacting the uveal tract.

What is moon blindness in horses. Recurrent uveitis also called moon blindness is caused by one of two things. Leptospriosis bacteria or the onchocerca cervicalis parasite. Moon blindness in horses is a disease of the eye which is immune mediated. A diagnosis of moon blindness is painful to both the horse and owner as sometimes it s necessary to make difficult decisions to avoid prolonging the horse s continual pain.

Most cases of equine uveitis are caused by the lepto bacteria and it s the number one cause of blindness in horses ponies mules and donkeys. The causative factor is not known but several pathogeneses have been suggested. Equine recurrent uveitis is characterized by inflammation occurring inside the eye first impacting the uveal tract termed uveitis. This can be from injury to the eye a simple infection or other eye condition.

Moon blindness in horses. It can also cause abortion and decreased milk supply in lactating mares. Signs of eru to date. Vets and veterinary ophthalmologists refer to it as equine recurrent uveitis eru.

Some breeds seem to be more susceptible than others. Recurrent uveitis is the more serious one. Equine flu tooth and hoof abscesses may also trigger moon blindness. It can occur in one or both eyes and can be painful.

The name implies the repetitious nature of the condition that is a deep inflammation inside a horse s eye. There are several possible causes for moon blindness or equine recurrent uveitis. Many times a horse will have uveitis a common condition of the eye. Moon blindness in horses is a complicated condition that can have several causes.

This is one reason that it is hard to diagnose quickly. Equine recurrent uveitis eru also known as moon blindness recurrent iridocyclitis or periodic ophthalmia is an acute nongranulomatous inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye occurring commonly in horses of all breeds worldwide. Bacteria fungus viruses the leptospirosis bacteria and the bacteria that causes strangles may be two of the more common bacterial causes. It is one of the most common diseases of the equine eye with an estimated prevalence of 2 25 in the united states.

Appaloosas in particular seem to develop moon blindness more commonly than other breeds. Is moon blindness in horses contagious. Equine recurrent uveitis eru also known as moon blindness or periodic ophthalmia is a leading cause of blindness in horses worldwide. If you suspect moon blindness call your veterinarian as a quick diagnosis is.

Uveitis commonly called moon blindness can be found in many animals including humans. Moon blindness in horses has been identified since the time of alexander the great when it was believed to be associated with changes of the lunar cycles giving it the name still being commonly used today. Equine recurrent uveitis or eru. People believed that the cycles of the moon caused it.

The term moon blindness in horses came about in the 1600s. It is the most common cause of blindness in horses. This inflammation is associated with pain and can lead to glaucoma cataracts and other forms of eye damage. Moon blindness with its aggressive progressive nature is a danger to almost 25 of horses in the us.