Dr. Lowder,
Hello. I just took my 9 yr. old Quarter horse gelding to the vet, because from a light in the dark the other night I notice a bright blue spot in his eye.
Well the diagnosis was not good, not only was it bad in one eye, but in the other eye as well, cataracts in both eyes. How does this occur, especially in such a young horse? This horse went for A COMPLETE VET CHECK 3 months ago and this horse passed with flying colors, 100% sound.
I was told he was 90% blind in one eye and almost the same in the other. He is a really nice barrel horse and does not seem to have much problem seeing. I was told surgery would be almost $2000 and it may not work at all. Do you have any suggestions? This horse is really nice and he is such an honest barrel horse and I hate to not try and get him fixed, although I don't know how I am going to be able to afford to spend $2000 and also because it may not work at all.
Any assistance will be appreciated.
Thank you and God Bless
Christy Riley
Christy,
I would be sure to get a second opinion, especially if the horse is not having any problems seeing. The etiology of cataracts are not known for sure and the surgery to correct the condition may not be 100%. I would get a second opinion.
Good Luck,
Dr. Lowder
