Complications Arise
Nine months later, Eva shipped GoGo to the San Diego equine hospital where MacMillan now practiced for a follow-up evaluation. Both of GoGo's eyes looked normal, but an examination with an ophthalmoscope revealed more trouble in the gelding's right eye.
He had developed a scar on the back of the lens capsule (posterior capsule sclerosis) and an adhesion of the lens capsule to the iris (posterior synechia). GoGo's pupil did not respond to light, nor did he have a blink reflex (menace response)--he didn't shut his eye if you jabbed a finger toward it. There was no doubt: GoGo could no longer see out of his right eye.
Also distressing were signs that the same conditions were developing in his left eye. Scar tissue also prevented this pupil from responding to light, but it had not yet completely blocked the optic nerve. GoGo was able to see, but just barely. What's more, the sclerosis would progress over time until he was once again completely blind.
GoGo had developed one of the worst possible complications of phacoemulsification surgery: uncontrollable, damaging inflammation.
Why this happened isn't clear, but an inherent weakness in the lens capsule may predispose it to tearing during or after surgery, which would set off the inflammatory process.
Nowadays, horses undergoing cataract surgery generally receive anti-inflammatory medications for at least two months after surgery, and in some cases the course of treatment is extended indefinitely as a preventive measure.
From Dark to Light
In the decade since his surgery, GoGo has readapted well to life without sight. He has shown no signs of pain or discomfort, and Eva continues to ride him.
Now aware of her horse's blindness, Eva recognizes his attempts to compensate, primarily through increased sensitivity to sound, smell and touch. Indeed, his responses to Eva's leg pressure would be the envy of any trainer.
A few years ago, Eva decided that GoGo needed a sighted companion for his "downtime" in the field, so she adopted Hobby, an aged Paint mare. Almost instantly, Hobby became part of the team. Eva rides GoGo and ponies Hobby on the trails. At home, Hobby is GoGo's "seeing eye" horse, sticking by his side as they roam the pasture.
Eva, her husband, GoGo and Hobby moved to Colorado about four years ago, and that's when I became one of GoGo's veterinarians. He is now 23 and Hobby is 29, and both are happy in their new home.
Today, GoGo is still traversing the safer trails of the San Juan National Forest, with Eva in the saddle and Hobby on a lead by his side ready to snort the occasional warning about obstacles ahead. The unlikely trio has developed an amazing partnership, relying on each other's senses and goodwill to function as a single unit. They have achieved a level of communication, connection and trust that the rest of us can only imagine.
This article originally appeared in the November 2005 issue of EQUUS magazine.
