A Sad Birth Defect....Foal Update-So Sad

[Deb]

I've been helping some friend's with being on a foal watch. The foal delivered Saturday morning. One of it's eye sockets has no eyeball and the other is questionable. On the questionable one the third eyelid is completely covering the socket. The attending Vet suggested taking it and momma to the University Vet School, but at this point it's not an option for the owner's. Their not certain on exactally what to do at this point.

Modified to Add: The Foal had to be euthanized. Not only were her eyes and lack of them the problem, the filly had an under-developed skull. In places there was no skull and her brain was covered only with the overlay of skin and hair. She was donated to the UM-Columbia for research after she was put down.

[Goalie]

That is so sad to read Deb. I'm sending all the good thoughts I can for your friends.

[fancyhorse]

Thats odd. It can manage just fine with only one eye. I've seen a few racehorses run and win with only one eye, but whats that about a third eye lid?

[samantha]

poor thing... what a sad thing to have to deal with...
this might sound stupid but can't they just pull the 3rd eyelid back? or is it grown onto the eyeball?
Fancy, here is a really good medical description of the 3rd eyelid
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/courses/vet_eyes/conotes/con_chapter_5.html

[Deb]

Sam, Thank You so very much for posting the link about the Third Eyelid!!! The baby and Momma are at the Unversity of Missouri-Columbia Vet School Clinic right now. They were taken yesterday and I'm waiting to hear from the owner's.

[Lukey D.]

Aw, how tragic. I can't imagine what the owners and the poor momma are going through.

[filly]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Hopefully, the research can lead to new understanding though.

[samantha]

How tragic My heart goes out to everyone involved