Aniko, podaje informację z Textbook Of Rabbit Medcine:
11.5.1 Buphthalmia
Buphthalmia is an autosomal recessive trait in
rabbits that causes unilateral or bilateral
enlargement of the eyeball with secondary
changes in the cornea. It can occur in rabbits
of any breed. The age of onset is variable.
Changes have been observed in baby rabbits
as early as 2–3 weeks of age (Lindsey and
Fox, 1994). The disease is due to a decrease in
drainage of aqueous humour from the
anterior chamber and a rise in intraocular
pressure. Corneal oedema, conjunctivitis and
increased prominence of the eyeball occur
and, in severe cases, corneal ulceration can
result in rupture and collapse of the eye with
subsequent scarring and healing. The condition
can be unilateral or bilateral. Protrusion
of the anterior chamber gives rise to the term
‘moon eye’ that is sometimes used by breeders
to describe the condition (Bauck, 1989). At
one time, it was hypothesized that vitamin A
deficiency was involved in hereditary
buphthalmos. The theory was tested on
rabbits of the hereditary buphthalmic strain
with various levels of vitamin A. However,
no correlation between intraocular pressure
and serum vitamin A levels could be found
(Fox et al., 1982).
11.7.1 Keratitis,
keratoconjunctivitis and corneal
ulceration
Corneal inflammation in pet rabbits can be
caused by infection, trauma, precorneal tear
film abnormalities (often due to dental
disease) and systemic or nutritional disorders.
Vitamin A deficiency has induced
keratitis in laboratory rabbits (Phillips and
Bohstedt, 1937; Hunt and Harrington, 1974).
In pet rabbits, corneal oedema and/or
ulceration are often associated with keratitis.
The precorneal tear film plays an important
role in protecting the cornea from infection
and injury and any condition that affects it
can result in keratitis. Inadequate tear
drainage in rabbits with dacryocystitis can
lead to keratitis, especially in the medial
canthus where the cornea is in contact with
purulent material from the punctum lacrimale.
Trauma or scratches on the cornea from other
rabbits or pieces of hay can become infected
and result in a deep corneal ulceration.
Affected rabbits are often presented with a
large yellow necrotic ulcer in the centre of an
inflamed opaque cornea surrounded with a
scarlet inflamed conjunctiva. Pain,
blepharospasm and lacrimation can be severe.
There is a temptation to enucleate these eyes
as it can difficult to envisage healing but most
cases respond well to medical treatment.
Systemic cephalexin and topical cephalonium
are an effective combination in rabbits.
Cephalexin appears promptly in the aqueous
humour of the non-inflamed eye of rabbits, in
concentrations of 15–20% of serum levels
(Gager et al., 1969). Topical application of
fusidic acid also penetrates the cornea and
aqueous humour of rabbits (see Section
4.2.1.5). Minimum inhibitory concentrations
against gram-positive infections persist for up
to 24 h in the cornea (Taylor et al., 1987). A
topical eye ointment containing fusidic acid
(Fucithalmic Vet, Leo Laboratories Limited)
holds a product licence for use in rabbits
and has sustained-release properties. The
carbomer base significantly increases the
concentration of fusidic acid in the tear film.
Gentamicin is poorly absorbed into the
inflamed eye and not at all in the normal eye
of rabbits (Behrens-Baumann, 1996). Gentamicin
ophthalmic solution (Tiacil, Virbac) is
another licensed preparation that is available
for rabbits.
Most cases of corneal ulceration, keratitis
and keratoconjunctivitis respond to
topical and systemic antibiotic therapy.
Severe changes can respond well to
medical therapy without the need for
enucleation.
EDIT:
(z innej książki )
Conjunctivitis is common when the eye becomes irritated
from dust, fumes (e.g., ammonia, cedar, or pine shavings),
smoke, or a foreign body, making it susceptible to
infection by bacteria (often Staphylococcus aureus, but also
Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella spp. and Pseudomonas spp.,
among others). Conjunctivitis may be present without epiphora,
and in these cases the vet may test for a deficiency in
tear production, which can make corneal ulcers more likely.
A veterinarian may prescribe eye drops or a topical
antibiotic eye ointment (ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, triple
antibiotic, chloramphenicol), and may sometimes recommend
giving the rabbit a course of systemic antibiotics (e.g.,
enrofloxacin) as well. Care will focus on keeping the eyes
clean, giving prescribed medications, and removing any
inciting cause (e.g., dusty hay, urine-soaked litter, cedar or
pine shavings).
