Differential
diagnosis for corneal ulcers in rabbits
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VEIN
(Veterinary Exotic Information Network) System, Copyright © Akira Yamanouchi Left: Rabbit eye with a corneal ulcer as seen with
normal light Right: Same eye, seen with black light (Wood's
light), after application of the fluorescein dye. |
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Symtoms
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Differential diagnosis |
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Traumatic
causes |
Bedding,
e.g. straw dust in the eye |
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Fighting |
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Excessive
rubbing |
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Viral
causes |
Myxoma virus
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Secondary to bacterial causes |
Presence of bacteria
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Blepharoconjunctivitis,
or an inflammatory infection of the eyelash and oil glands of the eyelids,
accompanied by the inflammation of the membrane covering the surface of the
eyeball. This disease can related to the presence of bacteria or viruses
(e.g. Mixoma virus). |
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Chronic
inflammation of the naso-lacrimal duct, in that case, the ulcers are
typically ventral or superficial. |
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Eyelid disease |
Entropion, or edge of the eyelid that turns inward toward the eye.
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Distichiasis,
or abnormal growth of an eyelash from the meibomian glands along the eyelid
margin. |
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Trichiasis
(acquired condition in which the eyelashes are misdirected and grow inwards
towards the globe). |
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Crenated
eyelid |
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“Mechanical”
causes |
Dry eyes, due to a hindered production of tears.
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Special eye conditions |
Ulcer development, secondary to glaucoma.
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Surgical
causes |
Exposure keratopathy, due to anesthesia.
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