I posted last week about considering an enucleation with our horse who was basically blind in one eye from ERU and developed a corneal ulcer. We enucleated and he’s doing well. The vet suggested a Guardian Fly Mask to protect the good eye. He’s not too fond of it. Does anyone have experience with it and, if so, do you use it 24/7? The vet thinks he should wear it all the time, but he can’t see at night with it and doesn’t like it. If you’ve got experience with it, I’d love to hear how you use it and if your horse likes it. Thanks!
I have one with chronic eye issues and one that had the same thing happen as your guy. The guardian rubbed them both raw in no time and they HATED them. I was so sad!! I even tried both types they make.
So for now, I have settled with a UV blocking mask, but would love suggestions too!!!
I found this older thread with some info:
https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/horse-care/324319-alternatives-to-guardian-fly-mask
I used the guardian several years ago when handling chronic idiopathic eye ulcers. It was effective but rubbed the mare like crazy.
I just went through this exact search so below is my thought process:
I considered this very economical option but just didn’t believe that my chronic roller would keep it on for more than 5 minutes, but the reviews are positive: https://protectivepetsolutions.com/products/equivizor-fly-mask-with-nose-protection
The Equine Sun Visor ESV MAXX is probably the best option I found and you can do custom colors, ears, long nose, sheepskin, etc. However, because they are custom I was nervous about it not fitting.
It isn’t perfection but I’m using the Kensington UViator mask but it’s only 90% coverage. If you consider it, definitely look at the sizing. My mare is a very petite Cob head/large pony and wears the “medium”. Right now we are using the standard mask but the ears + long nose version actually should arrive today. Through State Line Tack I got the long nose + ears UViator for $60, which seemed like the best blend of coverage, fit, and economy for my needs.
Thank you for this link! My new horse will need some UV protection. I have some cheaper UV masks to see how hard he (or his neighbors) are on them, but I suspect in the middle of the summer he will need an even higher UV rating. Plus ear covers. Some friends have used regular Kensington ones in the past, and I have not been thrilled with the fit. This horse has an average WB head, not quite oversized.
I tried the Guardian with my mare but it rubbed. I ended up getting a mask from Horsey Shades, which was great. I actually went to their site to order another because I lost the removable ears, and it looks like they might be out of business. 😟
LeMieux has a new fly mask that looks promising. I tried the Uviator but couldn’t get it to fit.
I just got the EVysor from Pet Product Solutions (they sell it in the states). game changer! I have have the guardian in the past for another horse that was going blind, but I love this eVysor. My horse lowers his head for me to put it on. He also wears the new Kenningston Uviator mask in the paddock. This combination has cleared his head shaking by 90-95%. His shaking makes him unridable as he is severe enough that he will toss his head and stumble… poor dude. The eVysor comes with w 14 day trial!
New bolton recommended this mask when my horse has a bout of uveitis.
https://www.equinesunvisor.com/pewtervisor.aspx
