Fish oil and flax are two excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. | Photo: Thinkstock

Q. My veterinarian has diagnosed my horse with classic equine recurrent uveitis. My vet has explained that this kind of uveitis tends to come and go with flares that can last a couple of weeks, followed by periods where my horse will be fine for some unknown length of time before another flare occurs. Right now he is on medication that seems to be helping control it, but long-term I am wondering whether there is anything I can do nutritionally that might help keep it under control?

A. Recurrent uveitis is the leading cause of blindness in horses, with a prevalence of 2 to 25% in the United States, making it one of the most common eye diseases. Uveitis is characterized by inflammation in the eye that first impacts the uveal tract. Within this tract lies the vascular tissue that provides nourishment to the eye and ensures proper function.

I’m not aware of any supplements specifically for uveitis; however, because the damage is caused by inflammation, I would look to provide nutrients and supplements known to help support a healthy inflammatory