A review of investigated risk factors for developing equine recurrent uveitis

Abstract

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an ocular inflammatory disease that can be difficult to manage clinically. As such, it is the leading cause of bilateral blindness for horses. ERU is suspected to have a complex autoimmune etiology with both environmental and genetic risk factors contributing to onset and disease progression in some or all cases. Work in recent years has aimed at unraveling the primary triggers, such as infectious agents and inherited breed-specific risk factors, for disease onset, persistence, and progression. This review has aimed at encompassing those factors that have been associated, implicated, or substantiated as contributors to ERU, as well as identifying areas for which additional knowledge is needed to better understand risk for disease onset and progression.A greater understanding of the risk factors for ERU will enable earlier detection and better prognosis through prevention and new therapeutics.

Risk factors for insidious uveitis in the Knabstrupper breed

“…These subtypes have been reviewed recently, and certain breeds appear to have a predisposition for developing specific forms. 2 The Knabstrupper horse breed has been listed as having a predisposition for developing insidious uveitis. 3 This Danish breed was strongly selected for a white coat spotting pattern known as leopard complex spotting (LP) that is also a characteristic of the Appaloosa breed (Figure 1).…”

“…Historically, the syndrome has been defined as three clinical classifications of ERU known as classic, insidious or posterior uveitis. These subtypes have been reviewed recently, and certain breeds appear to have a predisposition for developing specific forms 2 . The Knabstrupper horse breed has been listed as having a predisposition for developing insidious uveitis 3 .…”