SAEVA Congress 2018 Proceedings | 12-15 February 2018 | ATKV Goudini Spa
Because of the unique configuration of the equine orbit , this implant is superior to simple round ball models . The silicone can easily be trimmed with a scalpel blade during surgery and fitted snugly into the equine orbit .
The Equine Ophthalmic Pre-Purchase Examination
Johannesburg Animal Eye Hospital
A pre-purchase examination [ PPE ] is the most common reason for an eye examination in first opinion equine practice so having a basic idea of what to look for and being able to perform a systematic eye examination is very important . The PPE is designed for the examiner to list all abnormal or undesirable findings discovered during the examination and give his or her qualified opinions as to the functional effect of these findings . ” Ideally one should make no determination and express no opinions as to the suitability of the animal for the purpose intended .” It is ultimately the buyer ’ s responsibility to determine if the horse is suitable . Contrary to popular perception , veterinarians do not “ pass ” or “ fail ” horses when they do pre-purchase examinations , they state the findings . As equine practitioners performing an ocular PPE the examiners interpretation of the functional effect and prognosis of such findings may influence whether or not the horse changes hands .
Buyers must understand that it is impossible for veterinarians to pass judgment on the visual acuity of any horse , unless that horse has been determined to be blind .
The essence of the ocular PPE is to be able to identify :
• Is there clinical normality .
• Be able to recognize any anomaly or ocular pathology .
• Be able to express an opinion on the physiological consequences of that pathology .
• Be able to express an opinion on any possible progression of any pathology .
If an abnormality is present there are two questions that need to be asked :
• Does the lesion adversely affect visual function ?
• Is the lesion likely to progress ?
It is extremely difficult to assess vison in the horse and one must be cautious to make bold statements . A better interpretation is to use the term “ functional vision ” This describes how the horse is able to interact with its immediate environment primarily using ocular input , but understood to be in conjunction with other sensory inputs . This is necessarily subjective , and the role of the examining veterinarian
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