"Happy the Appie" , at Camp Carl in Ravenna, is treated for moon blindness.
Caretakers at Camp Carl noticed there was cloudiness in the right eye of one of their camp horses. Along with this cloudiness, it was noted that Happy was not acting quite himself when approached from the right side. The fear was that Happy was going blind, and on our first examination, he was unable to see out of his right eye.
The staff at Camp Carl was right to worry. Recurrent anterior uveitis, or moon blindness, is a very serious auto-immune disease that can cause blindness or even require surgical removal of the eye. Treatment usually consists of topical ocular medication to fight infection and corneal ulceration, as well as systemic or surgically implanted immunosuppressants.
Despite the fact that Happy's moon blindness is chronic and may have progressed to glaucoma in his right eye, the 20 year old appaloosa gelding has responded well to treatment thanks to the diligent care of Jenni Holmer and staff at the horse barn.
At our last visit, Happy was showing signs that he still retains some vision in his right eye. We are hopeful, with continued vigilance by camp staff that Happy's condition can be kept from progressing any further.
The staff at Camp Carl was right to worry. Recurrent anterior uveitis, or moon blindness, is a very serious auto-immune disease that can cause blindness or even require surgical removal of the eye. Treatment usually consists of topical ocular medication to fight infection and corneal ulceration, as well as systemic or surgically implanted immunosuppressants.
Despite the fact that Happy's moon blindness is chronic and may have progressed to glaucoma in his right eye, the 20 year old appaloosa gelding has responded well to treatment thanks to the diligent care of Jenni Holmer and staff at the horse barn.
At our last visit, Happy was showing signs that he still retains some vision in his right eye. We are hopeful, with continued vigilance by camp staff that Happy's condition can be kept from progressing any further.
