Bullous keratopathy in a dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus)

Background

Bullous keratopathy (BK) is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the cornea resulting in severe edema and protrusion. Based on the literature search, naturally occurring BK has not been reported in a rabbit.

Case description

A two-year-old female neutered dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) presented for worsening corneal edema of the left eye. The left eye was diagnosed with BK that was fluorescein negative. Optical coherence tomography revealed profound corneal lamellar separation typical of BK. The patient was anaesthetized and a temporary tarsorrhaphy (TT) was placed using 5/0 silk with fluid line stents in the upper and lower eyelids. The patient was treated with ofloxacin ophthalmic solution, atropine ophthalmic solution, and oral meloxicam. Following 10 days of TT the corneal thickness improved but edema progressed to occupy most of the cornea. An area of corneal infiltrate could then be seen. A fungal infection was suspected and topical voriconazole 1% was added to the treatment regimen. Following two months of topical therapy the patient healed with mild fibrosis associated with the infiltrated area.

Conclusions and case relevance

Rabbits can be affected by naturally occurring bullous keratopathy and in this case healing was achieved following a temporary tarsorrhaphy and extended medical therapy.