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  Discussion on Eye Operation
Author Message
Member:
onehorse

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 10:01 am:

Dr. O,

My horse, 22 years old and only used for recreational trailriding, has had recurring uveitis over the years and a cloudy perminent spot. Any and all flair ups have been treated with eye exam and appropriate treatment. Recently, another flair up and it has become rather serious -- to the point that he is now at the University of Wisconsin, under an opthamologists care with several tubes going into his eye to directly administer various treatments to combat a deep rooted ulcer. If no improvement is detected in the next 24 hours an eye operation is required to save his vision (some vision loss is expected). My question is: I am concerned with a quality of life issue vs. the risks of a 22 year old horse (healthy in every other way) being 'out' for approximately 4 to 5 hours. What are the increased risks for an older horse being under for that period of time? And how do horses adjust if they are blind in one eye? FYI: The doctors report his other eye is in perfect condition. Obviously, my permission to allow the operation (if needed) is fast approaching. So far, 24 hours of intensive treatment has NOT stopped the deterioration. For me, I have no problem in going forward with the procedure excepting the 'risk' factor of my horse coming through the operation. I am told that risk increases with age and duration of time being 'out.' I'm told 4 to 5 hours is relatively long time -- but no one seems to tell me how much greater the risk is based on age and time 'under.' Can you shed some light on these warnings so I can make an informed decision? If anybody has 'experience' in this delemna your opinions are welcome. Thanks.

Rick Obadiah
Member:
wgillmor

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 10:24 am:

Rick,

Horses do well with only one eye (or even blind). Search this site on blind horses.

I don't have any knowledge of the risks of full anesthesia factoring time under an age, that is for Dr0.

I admire that cost does not seem to be a factor in your decision -- in my case it would be.

Wiley
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Dec 1, 2008 - 7:50 am:

Hello Rick,
There are no large studies on eye surgeries that looks at anesthesia complication rate nor can I find one that compares older horses and younger horses rate of complications.

Ever if we could the question of increased risk to the older horse or for longer anesthesia times would be a hard question to answer in your particular case. Rates of complication are dependent on technique, facilities, patient selection, and type surgery. So these are questions that must be answered by the surgeon at the hospital.

I believe with good technique and a horse in good general health that there is a slight to moderate increase risk of general anesthesia for a 22 year old horse but overall serious complication rate still fairly low.
DrO
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