Congenital and Acquired Ophthalmic Diseases in The Foal

Abstract

The congenital and acquired ophthalmic diseases of the foal range from microphthalmia, entropion, and corneal ulcers to cataracts, and retinal detachments. Ophthalmic examinations of foals soon after birth with slit lamp biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy are important to detect and establish a rapid diagnosis, and initiate the appropriate therapy. These congenital and acquired conditions are important to identify, treat if necessary, and eliminate those disorders that may be inherited. Many of the ophthalmic disorders affecting the conjunctiva, iris, and ciliary body are associated with serious systemic diseases that require early recognition and vigorous treatment. Variations in the normal lens and ocular fundus of foals are important to recognize and differentiate from the actual disease conditions.