What does it mean when a horse is Moon blind?

Moon blindness, or iridocyclitis, is an immune-mediated eye disease which is painful to horses. It is commonly referred to as equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). This is a very common eye disease in horses and can lead to blindness.

Can moon blindness be reversed?

“But, unfortunately, because there is no cure, over the long-term, most of them are going to go blind. The prognosis is also worse if the ERU is leptospirosis-associated. Studies have shown that in cases where there’s evidence that leptospirosis has triggered their ERU, those are more likely to go blind.”

Is moon blindness painful?

“Moon blindness” is a chronic, painful eye disease, and it’s the most common cause of blindness in horses. It was so named during the 1600s because people thought recurring attacks were related to phases of the moon. This eye disease might be one of the first veterinary diseases ever documented.

Is moon blindness hereditary?

Genetics. The Appaloosa has a higher risk of developing ERU than other breeds; this predisposition has a genetic basis. Appaloosas which develop ERU are more likely than other breeds to have ERU in both eyes, and more likely to become blind in one or both eyes.

What causes sudden blindness in horses?

Acute, sudden blindness might be associated with head or eye trauma, ERU, glaucoma, cataracts, intraocular hemorrhage, optic neuritis, retinal detachment, or brain disease. Newly blind horses are extremely agitated, anxious, and can be dangerous.

Is my horse Blind in one eye?

Corneal ulcers are common in horses and and as a result a lot of horses are blind in one eye. The biggest issue with them is they can be a bit jumpy because they have that blind side, and on the trail you have to give them enough freedom to turn their head to the blind side to see.

What is a moon eye in a horse?

Moon blindness in horses is a disease of the eye which is immune-mediated. It can occur in one or both eyes and can be painful. This eye disease is also known as equine recurrent uveitis, or ERU.

What does moon blindness mean?

Moon blindness, or iridocyclitis, is an immune-mediated eye disease which is painful to horses. It is commonly referred to as equine recurrent uveitis (ERU).