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  Discussion on CloudIn Eye Increasing
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Member:
Onehorse

Posted on Saturday, Nov 8, 2003 - 9:33 pm:

Dr. O,

About 18 months ago I noticed a cloudy build up in my horses left eye. My vet examined it and said that he had a cut caused by either him rubbing it, debris, or some other irritation and thought that perhaps he lost about 20% of his vision. About 6 months ago I had my horse at an equine hospital for an unrelated cause but asked them to check his eye...it has remained cloudy from the initial 'cut.' At the hospital they put a green fluid in his eye, examined it and said virtually the same thing and said not to worry and I haven't. He seems fine and has pretty good vision out of the eye.

To the point: This week I've noticed that the 'cloud' has gotten cloudier and perhaps bigger. There's no irritation. The temperature has DrOpped considerably (from about 70 to 38 degrees). It's cold. Could this cause the 'cloudiness' to deepen in appearance? is this something i should worry about and have my vet come out? Or should I attempt to find a horse opthamologist? The cloudiness appears on the outer layer of the eye. The eye has plenty of moisture. My horse is 17 years old, trail ridden four or five times a week and is extremely healthy other than this. Any thoughts?
Member:
Onehorse

Posted on Saturday, Nov 8, 2003 - 9:36 pm:

Dr.O,

Forgot to mention in my previous post that both vets described the cloudiness as 'scarring'. But it seems to be deepening all of a sudden.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 7:51 am:

The increasing cloudiness represente edema of the cornea and inflammation. I would have your vet out quickly. He has to decide whether this is trauma, autoimmune, or possibly infectious. Each requires different treatment but early treatment might be important to outcome. If he is uncertain as to cause the a opthamologist out to look at this.
DrO
Member:
Onehorse

Posted on Sunday, Nov 9, 2003 - 4:47 pm:

Dr. O,

Thank you for your quick reply...it is much appreciated. I gather from your words..."I would have your vet out quickly".. that there is cause for concern and urgency. I have already called my vet and my horse will be seen within 24 hours. This is the first time I've used HA for a problem and I'm very happy I did. Thank you for this web site.

Rick
Member:
Onehorse

Posted on Monday, Nov 10, 2003 - 6:54 pm:

Dr.O,

FYI: My horse was examined today by my vet. His diagnosis: a 'new' scratch on the cornea ... in the same area that the original 'cloudiness' presented. A green dye was used and you could see the new scratch. Apparently, the old cut has heeled and this recent episode is unrelated to the first. The eye is being treated with a 'cortizone free' ointment for the next few days (the cut or scratch has not completely heeled yet) and then we will switch to a different ointment that contains cortizone. My vet's prognosis: should be fine, nothing to worry about. Early attention was a BIG plus. So thank you, Dr.O.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 12, 2003 - 9:47 am:

Most Welcome Rick,
DrO
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