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Vets asked for information on EK
horse
AHT hopes to find out why some horses are more susceptible to EK.
AHT investigates the cause of eye disease

Vets are being asked to share information on recent cases of eosinophilic keratitis (EK), to inform research being carried out by the Animal Health Trust (AHT).

EK is an emerging opthalmology issue in the UK and despite increased awareness of the disease worldwide, its cause is still poorly understood.

AHT is investigating the root cause of EK and hopes to find out why some horses are more susceptible than others. In particular, researchers will be looking at epidemiological links, environmental factors and parasitic infestation.

A number of the clinical signs of EK are non-specific and similar to those seen with other conditions of the cornea - for example, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperaemia, epiphora or perilesional oedema.

Some of the more specific signs include caseous mucoid discharge and white/yellow plaques. These are often localised in the peripheral cornea. Conjunctivitis may also occur.

Pain levels vary and concurrent ulceration is almost always present.

Clinical presentations can also vary, from a thick caseous accumulation to a superficial plaque of 'ground-glass' appearance.

Patients may be presented with chronic non-healing ulcers that respond well to topical steroids and/or ciclosporin. Others may present with marked ocular discomfort - in which case superficial keratectomy may be required to resolve the condition.

Typically (though not exclusively), two corneal locations are involved with EK - the medial perilimbal cornea, often under the third eyelid, or the lateral perilimbal cornea, which may progress towards the central cornea.

In addition to this research, AHT is offering free cytology tests for corneal scrapes to help diagnose the condition earlier, thereby avoiding secondary complications that may lead to permanent visual impairment.

If you have seen either diagnosed or suspect cases of EK this year, contact Sonia Gonzalez-Medina on 01638 751000 ext. 1203, or sonia.gonzalez-medina@aht.org.uk.

For further information or a copy of the form to submit with samples, visit www.aht.org.uk/EKstudy

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.