Prevalence of owner‐reported ocular problems and veterinary ocular findings in a population of horses aged ≥15 years. (25th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malalana, F.; McGowan, T. W.; Ireland, J. L.; Pinchbeck, G. L.; McGowan, C. M.
• Is Part Of: Equine veterinary journal. Volume 51:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 217
• Publication Date: 2018-08-25
• Subjects: horse -- geriatric -- ophthalmic -- disease prevalence -- owner reported; Horses -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 636.108905
• DOI: 10.1111/evj.13005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0425-1644

Abstract

Summary: Background: Previous studies suggest that ocular disease is common among aged horses but owners may fail to identify or underestimate their clinical relevance. Objectives: To document the prevalence of owner‐reported ocular disease in horses aged ≥15 years. In a subset of these horses, to document ophthalmic findings from veterinary examination and compare with owner‐reported ocular disease, and to determine risk factors for veterinary ophthalmic findings. Study design: Cross‐sectional study. Methods: Owners of aged horses completed a survey on management, clinical signs and medical history. Risk factors for the presence of ocular disease as reported by the owner were determined. A subset of these horses underwent an ophthalmological examination. Risk factors for the presence of ocular disease detected during this examination were determined. Agreement between owner‐reported data and veterinary ophthalmic findings was assessed. Results: Abnormal ocular findings were detected in 287/327 horses aged ≥15 years that underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, whereas the presence of ocular disease as reported by the horse‐owners was only 3.3%. Agreement between owner‐reported ocular disease and results of the veterinary examination was low for all categories analysed. An owner‐reported history of ocular discharge was associated with increased odds of veterinary‐reported diminished vision. Increasing age was associated with increased odds of the presence of an eye abnormality (any) and cataracts. Appaloosa horses had increased odds of cataract compared with other breeds. Horses in work were less likely to have an eye abnormality. Main limitations: Volunteer bias may have influenced our results with owners of sick horses or those more concerned about their horses more likely to volunteer at the initial recruitment phase. Conclusions: This study showed a high prevalence of ocular lesions in aged horses which was not reflected in owner‐reported disease. This has highlighted problems in obtaining information on ocular conditions from horse‐owners.