Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Disease in the Horse
Authors: Wotman Kathryn L., Johnson Amy L.
Journal: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Ocular Manifestations of Systemic Disease in the Horse Systemic disease in horses frequently presents with ocular signs that may be overlooked or misattributed to primary eye conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis and allowing secondary vision loss or globe compromise to develop. Wotman and Johnson's 2017 review synthesises the ophthalmic presentations of the most prevalent systemic diseases affecting North American horses, organising findings by observable ocular abnormality rather than disease category to facilitate clinical recognition. The work emphasises that ocular manifestations are sometimes the earliest or most apparent indicators that prompt veterinary involvement, making careful eye examination an essential diagnostic tool beyond specialist ophthalmology. For equine practitioners across disciplines—particularly veterinarians and physiotherapists assessing performance issues or behavioural changes—understanding these ocular signs becomes critical for identifying underlying systemic pathology before complications compromise welfare or utility. Integrating knowledge of systemic ocular manifestations into routine clinical assessment enables earlier intervention and prevents the cascade of secondary damage that can result from untreated systemic conditions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Always perform thorough ophthalmic examination on horses with systemic disease, as ocular signs may be the first visible indicator of underlying pathology
- •Early recognition and treatment of secondary ocular changes can prevent permanent vision loss or globe loss in systemically affected horses
- •Develop systematic knowledge of which common North American equine diseases present with ocular manifestations to improve diagnostic efficiency
Key Findings
- •Ocular abnormalities are often the first recognized clinical sign prompting veterinary evaluation in systemic equine diseases
- •Secondary ocular changes from systemic disease can progress to vision loss or globe loss if not addressed
- •Recognition of ocular manifestations of systemic disease is an essential diagnostic skill for equine practitioners
- •Systemic diseases commonly present with ocular signs organized by specific ocular pathology patterns