Abstracts | EQUINE
Prevalence of owner‐reported ocular
problems and veterinary ocular findings in a
population of horses aged ≥15 years
F. Malalana T. W. McGowan J. L. Ireland G. L. Pinchbeck C. M. McGowan
First published: 06 August 2018
Results
Background
Cross‐sectional study. 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.
Methods Main limitations
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
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.
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.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13005
• Volume 20 Issue 3 | October 2018 •
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