Eye related problems and diseases are common in any type of horse and pony and in one BEVA survey constituted up to 10% of clinical cases seen in practice. In addition, the eye is regularly examined as part of an insurance or pre-purchase examination with commonly the clinician having to make decisions as to the significance of ophthalmic findings. Finally, examination of the eye is an important part of the complete physical and neurological examinations, with the ophthalmic findings often giving a clue as to the underlying disease or problem.
The importance, therefore, of ophthalmology to the clinician undertaking equine work is undeniable and yet no veterinary school in the UK has a full time ophthalmologist and most undergraduates receive only limited training in this area. This course is intended to help practising equine clinicians to learn about the most important and common problems in the equine eye and to gain confidence in how to deal with conditions and to interpret their findings. Extra time will be available after lectures for discussion and delegates will be encouraged to interact fully with tutors in the case based and open discussions. There will be highly illustrated lectures, examination of cases, a wet lab on diagnostic and simple surgical techniques, and an ultrasonography of the eye demonstration. The combined talents and practical experiences of a group of equine clinicians, of vast experience in this field, along with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, will stimulate delegates to assimilate knowledge on, and to discuss, these very important clinical problems in the horse and pony.
Specific areas to be covered include:
• How to examine the equine eye
• Non ulcerative keratopathies
• Ulcerative keratopathies
• Diseases of the lens
• Ocular Therapeutics
• Periorbital and eyelid problems
• The fundus
• Uveitis |