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Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) FAQs
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Summary
Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) is called moon blindness, an immune‑mediated eye disease marked by repeated episodes of inflammation inside the eye. ERU is diagnosed when a horse has two or more uveitis episodes in the same eye and may affect one or both eyes. Causes include immune dysfunction, genetic and environmental factors, and may be triggered by prior leptospirosis infection. Clinical signs include cloudiness, redness, tearing, swelling, and squinting, although some horses develop subtle “insidious” ERU with little visible pain. ERU is progressive, and many affected horses eventually become blind due to complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal damage. Management focuses on controlling inflammation and pain with topical and systemic anti‑inflammatories, atropine, monitoring, and UV‑protective fly masks. Surgical options, including cyclosporine implants, may reduce flare‑ups in selected cases. Early intervention improves outcomes, but ERU requires lifelong management.
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