Anna Kasprzak's top Grand Prix horse Donnperignon underwent eye surgery at the Højgaard equine clinic in Denmark today Saturday 10 May 2014. The pair will miss out on the first Danish selection trial for the 2014 World Equestrian Games.
Kasprzak and Donnperignon are Denmark's number one Grand Prix pair of the moment, but will be briefly sidelined in their WEG campaign due to this operation.
The 15-year old Finnish warmblood Donnperignon (by Donnerhall x Mozart) already had an eye condition when the Kasprzak family bought him in 2011 but it was very treatable with medication. The last six months, however, "Pepe" gradually lost all sight in that eye and in order not to loose the eye itself, he was operated on today.
The operation was conducted by Professor of Ophthalmology Brian Gilger from the North Carolina State University as well as by by eye specialist Veterinarian Susanne Kaarsholm. The Højgaard equine clinic hospital was responsible for the anesthesia and medication .
The veterinarians took away all diseased and calcified portions of the cornea, which cause the milky effect on the left eye. The surgically removed area was covered with a tissue transplant from another part of the eye. "The operation was a success," Anna told Ridehesten, obviously relieved that the operation is over.
Kasprzak will not be defending her National Grand Prix title next month in Broholm, but she is aiming to qualify her rising Grand Prix horse Honnerups Driver for the Under 25 Championship. The pair will make its Grand Prix debut today in Kolding, Denmark.
Source: Ridehesten
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