Equine recurrent uveitis is one of the most common ocular diseases in horses, usually characterized by episodes of active inflammation followed by varying periods of quiescence. During the quiet periods, low-grade, subclinical inflammation may continue in at least some individuals. Regardless of the specific course, the inflammatory events eventually lead to secondary changes.  This syndrome is the most common cause of blindness. Many pharmaceutical medications are helpful, but can become quite expensive and difficult to administer into the eye frequently. Natural anti-inflammatories as well as immune regulating supplements offer better long-term treatment in many cases.

 

 

 

The following nutraceuticals or natural/herbal formulas and alternative therapies can also provide effective treatment and relief for your equines dealing with ERU.

 

 

 

 

Integrative Medicine

 

» Zinc: helps support the immune system in the eye.

» Vitamin A: can help decrease the inflammation in the eye.

» Yucca: helps decrease eye inflammation.

» Bee Pollen: may decrease allergic reactions.?

» Flax, Hemp and Chia seeds: Omega 3 anti-inflammatory, immune enhancing.

» Hot/Cold Compresses: helps relieve pain.

» Eyebright herbal eye wash.

» Acupuncture: helps with pain and inflammation, normalizes a body’s immune responses.

 

Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) (Reference: Veterinarians’ Desk Reference)

(Live Link)

 

Species affected: Equines

 

Background: An inflammatory condition that fluctuates in severity; permanent loss of vision can ultimately occur. The cause is not clearly defined, but is probably an immune-mediated response involving Leptospira species and Onchocerca cervicalis microfilaria.

Symptoms: Usually a sudden onset of photophobia and tearing without corneal ulceration. The pupil remains small. Recurrent episodes occur at variable intervals.

Diagnostics: Ocular examination, fluorescein stain.

Special Notes: May appear or worsen following vaccination; may be related to parasitic migration or infection.

Principles for Supplementation: Decrease inflammation and support immune function.

 

 

FORMULAS	DOSAGE	MECHANISM/PURPOSE
CurcuVET-EQ12	1 scoop bid	Down-regulates the pro-inflammatory substances, tumor necrosis factor, alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), supports normal eye function.
ImmunoVET-EQ12	3-4 scoops sid	Enhances the immune system, supplies bioactive proteins, immunoglobulins and peptides.
Haliotis Powder3	15 grams bid	Clears heat in the liver; detoxifies and brightens the eye.
ModucareVET12	8-12 capsules sid	Plant sterols and sterolins enhance immune function.
Vacimyr12	6-12 capsules sid	Has affinity for ocular tissue.
Zinc Picolinate (Double Strength)12	100-120 mg sid (30 mg per capsule)	Has immunologic action in eye.
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Combination)14	4 tsp bid	Clears Damp Heat, inflammation, Liver Heat, eye inflammation.

 

 

To help you quickly find the right Integrative Medicine formulas and manufacturers to help treat your dogs, cats and horses, please refer to the Veterinarians’ Desk Reference (Click Here)