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Artificial intelligence to identify equine ocular disease
Artificial intelligence could lead to more horses getting an earlier diagnosis.
The tool can diagnose moon blindness in horses.

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool could be used to diagnose equine recurrent uveitus (ERU) in horses.

The inflammatory ocular disease, also known as ‘moon blindness’, can lead to blindness or loss of the affected eye.

ERU is one of the more common eye diseases in horses, and can have a major economic impact. A quick, correct diagnosis can minimise the lasting damage.

The research team created an AI tool, which was trained with photographs of diseases to identify the patterns which may lead to a diagnosis.

To assess the efficacy of their deep learning tool, researchers from the Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München asked 150 veterinary surgeons to evaluate 40 photos of horses’ eyes. The pictures included a mixture of healthy eyes, eyes with ERU, and eyes with other diseases.

Equine veterinary surgeons completed the test with a 76 per cent success rate, meanwhile veterinary surgeons working in small animal or mixed practice identified the eye issues correctly 67 per cent of the time.

When the AI image analysis tool was given the same challenge, the probability of receiving the correct answer was 93 per cent.

The researchers say that, while the difference was not statistically significant, it proved that AI could reliably recognise ERU. This could support veterinary surgeons with the diagnosis of potential emergency cases.

This could lead to more horses getting an earlier diagnosis, increasing the likelihood of them receiving prompt treatment and saving affected eyes. It will also enable less experienced veterinary surgeons to differentiate between ERU and other opthalmic diseases.

The AI, deep learning tool is web-app based, and can be used through a smartphone device.

Professor Anna May, who led the research team, said: "It's not meant to replace veterinarians, but can help them reach the correct diagnosis.

“It is particularly valuable for less experienced professionals or for horse owners in regions where vets are few and far between,"

The full study can be found in the Equine Veterinary Journal.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.