AHT Case Studies- Amapola
Amapola Bowen is a five year old Pasa Fino horse, imported by her owners from Florida. After bringing her in from the field one day, her owners noticed her eye had become puffy, so gave their local vet a call. He prescribed antibiotics, but after one day, he suspected the soreness was being caused by something more sinister, so referred her to the Animal Health Trust.
On the surface it was hard to see what was wrong with Amapola, as there was no obvious sign of a foreign body or disease. However, further examination by one of our opththalmology specialists discovered a shard of hawthorn – it had entered the eye through the cornea, and had begun to heal over.
In order to remove the thorn, Amapola required a general anaesthetic and surgery, a procedure made far riskier than normal because the mare was four months pregnant. However, thanks to our dedicated team of highly qualified and very experienced anaesthetists, Amapola’s owners were assured their horse was in the best possible hands.
The operation went really well – the hawthorn was removed successfully and Amapola needed just three stitches.
Jane Sansom, Head of Ophthalmology at the Trust, performed the procedure. ”There was obviously a high degree of risk,” she said “but everything went smoothly and Amapola was a lot more comfortable when she left than when she arrived”.
“We are really delighted with her treatment,” said owner Yvonne Bowen. “I was also really impressed with the way in which the veterinary staff explained everything to me. They spent ages talking everything through with me and Amapola came through it all really well. We couldn’t be more pleased with the treatment, care and understanding she received at the Trust.”
