Very Common
Less Common
Rare
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Reluctant to Move in the Dark or into Dark Places
Summary
Horses that seem hesitant to move in the dark may not have normal night vision. Horses normally do have some ability to see in low light conditions. Horses that appear to have vision problems only at night or in dark areas may be experiencing generalized vision loss or they may have congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), which is a congenital defect that is usually found in certain Appaloosa and Appaloosa crosses. On the other hand, visual deficits can be difficult to tell from generalized resistance.
If your horse is not an Appaloosa or Appaloosa cross, and it suddenly begins to exhibit similar behaviors, it may likely be suffering from "normal" vision loss, not CNSB.
If your horse is not an Appaloosa or Appaloosa cross, and it suddenly begins to exhibit similar behaviors, it may likely be suffering from "normal" vision loss, not CNSB.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
You can conduct a simple vision test yourself (see the related skill), but you should consult with your vet regarding your findings and concerns. Consider whether there is any other behavior that suggests worsening vision.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet performs an ophthalmic exam, looking for eye abnormalities. Along with this is a rough assessment of vision. In some cases, ophthalmic conditions are discovered that may be treated. With obvious eye disease ruled out, more effort can be addressed to the training aspects of the behavior.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- Is the horse an Appaloosa or does it have Appaloosa bloodlines?
- Do the problems you observe only occur after dark?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Does your horse seem to see well during the day?
- Do your horse's eyes seem normal to you otherwise?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Less Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health