Ocular findings in a population of geriatric equids in the United Kingdom.
Authors: Chalder Ria, Housby-Skeggs Nicola, Clark Claire, Pollard Danica, Hartley Claudia, Blacklock Benjamin
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Ocular Pathology in Geriatric Equids As equine populations age across the UK, understanding the ocular health profile of older animals becomes increasingly important for practitioners managing geriatric cases. Chalder and colleagues conducted the first comprehensive ophthalmic examination study of equids aged 15 years and older, examining 50 animals (median age 24 years) at The Horse Trust using slit lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy to characterise the prevalence and nature of eye disease in this population. Ocular pathology was remarkably prevalent, detected in 84% of animals examined, with anterior segment disease (particularly cataracts affecting 52% of the cohort, predominantly anterior cortical) and posterior segment disease (42% with fundic pathology, most commonly senile retinopathy) representing the main categories; notably, despite these significant findings, all examined eyes retained functional vision. Breed proved a significant factor, with all Cobs and Shetland ponies showing anterior segment changes, whilst posterior segment pathology and senile retinopathy showed strong associations with advanced age (median 26–27 years versus 23.5–24 years in unaffected animals), and approximately 71% of lesions were bilateral. For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of routine ophthalmic screening in older equids—not necessarily to preserve vision, which remains intact, but to identify and monitor age-related changes, guide breed-specific preventative strategies, and ensure appropriate management decisions are made with full knowledge of the animal's ocular status.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Expect high prevalence of ocular disease in geriatric equids; regular ophthalmic screening is warranted in aged populations despite maintained vision
- •Cobs and Shetland ponies warrant proactive ophthalmic monitoring due to significantly higher anterior segment pathology risk
- •Most ocular pathology in aged equids is bilateral; when unilateral disease is detected, investigate for systemic or breed-related causes
Key Findings
- •Ocular pathology was present in 84% of geriatric equids (aged 15+ years), with anterior segment pathology in 74% and posterior segment pathology in 44%
- •Cataract was the most common anterior segment finding (52% of animals), predominantly anterior cortical type (65% of cataract cases)
- •Senile retinopathy was the most common fundic pathology (42.9% of animals with posterior segment pathology) and was associated with older median age (27 years vs 24 years, p=0.04)
- •Breed predisposition existed for anterior segment pathology (p=0.006), with 100% of Cobs and Shetlands affected; 71.4% of lesions were bilateral