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Discussion on Detached retinas and cataracts
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 27, 2001 - 10:12 am:
Dr. O
A friend purchased a WH stallion. He was purchased through video and touted as sound. Upon arrival - he has detached retinas and cataracts in both eyes. The opinion from UTenn examining Vet was caused by trauma to the head.
He was told there is nothing that can be done for this poor horse. I find it difficult to believe that - This surgery has been done on people for years - what would preclude it being done for a horse. We have also been told that the surgery and recovery is extremely painful -
Without intervention - this horse will be totally blind for the remainder of his life - he's only 5 and the sweetest most trusting horse I've ever seen.
Is there any possibility of help for him?
Thanks
Cheryl
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Posted on Sunday, Oct 28, 2001 - 9:56 am:
Hello Cheryl,
I do not know of any surgery to reattach retinaes in humans once they have become completely detached. If some of our humans docs know I am wrong please let me know.
But Cheryl just because something is possible in a human, does not make it so in the horse. Not only is money a bigger concern but differences in weight, physiology, and ability to comply with specific instructions make it a different ballgame.
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Oct 28, 2001 - 10:44 am:
Dr O
I guess we're pretty much grasping at straws with Dan. He's only 5, is an absolutely stunning horse with impecable papers. He is gentle and totally trusting. I'm just so sick of the abuse the Walkers suffer.
I don't know if the retinas are completely detached. I know the suction operation for cateracts in people is a very simple procedure. I'm not familiar with the surgery to re-attach retinas.
Was just hoping for an opportunity to help Dan -
Thanks,
CK
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Posted on Monday, Oct 29, 2001 - 8:53 am:
Well now, if you are not sure about the status of the retinaes, and this should be easy to check the integrity with a pupillary response to light, this is different.
They do cataract surgery on horses. For more see, the article on cataracts associated with this forum. Just click the title, Cataracts in Horses above.
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Nov 2, 2001 - 6:08 pm:
Dr. O.
Just to update - no response necessary - A human type ophthalomologist - who does work on horses - has agreed to look at Dan. He is conferring with the San Diego Zoo where they are doing a lot of advanced eye surgery on animals.
We are hoping something can be done for Dan. If the surgery happens, will let you know the outcome.
Cheryl
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Posted on Saturday, Nov 3, 2001 - 10:49 pm:
I've been following this discussion closely. Please DO let us know if anything can be done for Dan!
Suzy
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Posted on Sunday, Nov 4, 2001 - 8:02 am:
Thanks Suzy, Will most certainly post the results. Dan is now off his pads and is loving it. He has been on the stacks since he was 18 months old. When he's taken outside, which also didn't happen before, his nose hits the ground, searching for grass. He is a total gentleman, and just loves attention, talks up a storm. Vision or no vision, he's home now and will never be abused again, but boy --- it sure would be great if he could see again.
Cheryl
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Posted on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2001 - 10:11 pm:
I agree, Cheryl - it would be wonderful if he could regain his sight. But, even if he doesn't, I consider him a very lucky horse to have a home and a person like you to care for him 
I'll be waiting for news.
Suzy
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