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  Discussion on Dilated pupil
Author Message
Member:
Lanetara

Posted on Monday, Sep 16, 2002 - 6:13 pm:

Dr. O.,

Three weeks ago my horse had an infection in both eyes.

One was definetly worse but both were light sensitive, swollen and had discharge. The vet found a few scratches (post infection due to itching?) and he was started on atropine, bute and a general non steroidal antibiotic ointment, and kept inside.

The swelling and discharge cleared up quickly, but now three weeks later the eye that was worse has a cloudy, dilated pupil. It does react to the light of the vet's instrument but it's almost as large as the whole eye, otherwise.

Last week the vet started him on SMZ and the general ointment. He's done with the SMZ and has been off the atropine for 2 weeks but the pupil is the same. He is not squinting with the eye, and all indications are that he can see out of it. The other eye is fine. The vet is at a loss as to what to do. Any insight?


Thanks, tara
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 17, 2002 - 3:07 am:

Hello Tara,
Since the pupil is the "hole" in the iris, I am uncertain whether you mean the cornea is cloudy or the lens is cloudy, the two have different diagnostic and prognostic lists.

The dilation is caused by the atropine and sometimes a widely dialated pupil gives the lens a slightly cloudy appearance. It make take quite some time for the eye to recover from the atropine treatment, horses are very sensitive to its effects, and so if this is what you think might be happening you should be patient and be sure the horse is not exposed to bright light until the pupil returns to normal.
DrO
Member:
Lanetara

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 18, 2002 - 9:05 am:

Dr. O.,

Thanks for your quick response. I would be happy to know that the eye just needs more time. What kind of time frame are we talking about? Also, would it be okay for him to go out on cloudy days, or can any sunlight damage the eye? To answer your question, I guess it's the lens that is slightly cloudy. Thank you so much, Tara
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Sep 19, 2002 - 6:38 am:

I guess that depends how cloudy it is Tara. It is not damage to the eye I worry about, though this is possible, it is the discomfort of bright light. I don't think anyone knows how much would be too much so it is best to error on the side of caution. I don't know how long but it will take but it should not be long before the eye will be able to constrict again.
DrO
Member:
Lanetara

Posted on Thursday, Sep 19, 2002 - 8:37 am:

Dr. O.,
Thank you, I'm learning alot! It's not very cloudy--on a scale of 1-10, maybe a 2 or 3. I guess I'll try to wait patiently. Thank you so much for your help-I'll let you know how it goes.
Tara
Member:
Pketner

Posted on Thursday, Sep 19, 2002 - 11:56 pm:

Tara,
My horse has ERU, and I have very good luck with a patch of black t-shirt sewn over the eye area (on the inside). It is soft and easy to clean. Just remember you horse is blind on that side while he is wearing it and don't surprise him.
Paula
Member:
Kathleen

Posted on Friday, Sep 20, 2002 - 10:12 am:

Tara,
When our mare was going thru her bouts and had to have Atropine included in her treatments, we used a racing blinker setup with a full cup over the affected eye. These seem to stay on better than fly masks and the cup is hard plastic and doesn't touch the eye. Our mare was already blind in that eye, so we didn't have to worry about her sight while wearing it. Don't know if they make a clear cup.
Kathleen
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Sep 21, 2002 - 10:05 am:

These are great ideas guys.
DrO
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