Abstract

A 10-year-old domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented to the University of Saskatchewan for inappropriate urination. Physical exam was unremarkable other than the eyes. The left eye was buphthalmic with secondary glaucoma due to suspected dystrophic bone in the filtration angle. The right eye had normal pressures, but there were some changes in the filtration angle. The left eye was removed and bony changes to the filtration angle were confirmed on histology. The right eye was closely monitored and 6 months later the bony changes had advanced to the point where glaucoma had developed. Enucleation was performed however the rabbit died under anesthesia during the surgery. Calcification of the filtration angle has been reported in guinea pigs¹ and a dog² but this is the first report in a rabbit. Calcification of the filtration angle should be considered a differential in rabbits with glaucoma.

Literature Cited

1.  Griffith, J.W., J.W. Sassani, T.A. Bowman and C. M. Lang 1988. Osseous Choristoma of the Ciliary Body in Guinea Pigs. Vet Pathol 25:100–102.

2.  Lynch G.L. and R.H. Scagliotti. 2007. Osseous Metaplasia in the Eye of a Dog. Vet Pathol 44:222–224.