Clinical experiences after the insertion of a Cyclosporine-A drug delivery device in Warmblood Horses with Equine Recurrent Uveitis

Abstract

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the most common ophthalmic disease in horses. It is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of all parts of the uvea. Due to its chronic and recurrent progression and destruction of intraocular structures, ERU frequently causes blindness. Clinically, ERU affected horses show signs of blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperaemia, aqueous flare, posterior synechiae, cataract formation and chorioretinitis. Several studies have dealt with the etiopathogenesis-, diagnostics as well as the conservative and surgical treatment methods of this intraocular inflammation with different outcomes. Because of potential side effects of applied medication, the risk of doping in the case of sport horses and the problem of future uveitis episodes, a traditional medicated treatment is not always feasible.