Globally, equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the most common cause of blindness in horses. The painful condition was not well understood until recently, but two new discoveries are providing hope for horses suffering from the disease.
Leptospira is often the bacterial infection behind ERU. Leptospirosis can be carried by small rodents that excrete leptospira in their urine, which can contaminate a horse's water and food. Standing water poses an increased risk of leptospira infection. Leptospires can survive in a horse's kidneys and eyes for extended periods. ERU is the result of a systemic infection; it can occur months to years after acute infection.
Drs. Bettina Wollanke, Hartmut Gerhards and Kerstin Ackermann reported that a chronic leptospiral infection in the eye cavity is only possible through biofilm formation. Biofilm is a thin, slimy film of bacteria that adheres to a surface.
Though antibiotics are often used in ERU treatment, biofilm bacteria are often resistant as the biofilm acts as a literal barrier to the infection. Additionally, the specific type of bacteria and antibiotic, as well as growth conditions, all play a role in how effective antibiotics can be.
This explains why ERU episodes are sporadic as well as why they can last for many years. It also explains why clinical signs may occur months or years after the systemic infection.
The trio concluded that ERU can be treated by the removal of the vitreous material that fills the middle part of the eye, where leptospirosis can reside undetected for years. The researchers note that it is important to determine that the horse is suffering from ERU and not another form of uveitis, in which case the removal of the material may not be helpful.
The study team notes that if the eye does not improve that surgery may be needed.
More research is needed. Read more at HorseTalk.
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