A PERFORMANCE horse has shown there is life after uveitis, despite losing an eye to the devastating condition.
Lusitano gelding Tetua has performed with Pilley-based owner Patrick Kempe for years, taking the lead in the London New Year’s Day parade and numerous other performances.
The 18-year-old gelding is still active and features in liberty performances; however what started as a weeping eye soon developed into a more serious condition.
Patrick said: “We took him to Seadown Vets in Hythe and uveitis was diagnosed. The necessary drops to treat it were impossible to deliver accurately into the damaged eye, so he had to have a lavage tube. “The treatment seemed successful at first, but after two months the same situation re-occurred. “We were told by eye specialist Kate McMorris that the lavage was unlikely to provide permanent relief and were advised the damaged left eye should be removed.” He continued: “I was shocked and devastated, but understood it was the most sensible solution. Kate carried out the operation and did it so neatly.
“Since recovery, he has adapted amazingly well – I have been the more nervous! Riding out on the Forest has been no problem, over time he’s enjoyed a little jumping and since his op he has continued to give displays and has enjoyed life to the full. “The only risk factor is that if I am on his blind side and he turns his head to look at me, I have to duck to get out of the way!”
Seadown partner Kate Mc-Morris said: “Removal of an eye is always a last resort but in a blind and painful eye it is often the best option for the horse.
“It now rarely involves a full general anaesthetic, so is a much safer procedure than it used to be, and most horses go back to their previous working life.”