Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cataract surgery outcomes in rabbits with natural cataracts
By Sanchez, Rick F. et al.·Published in Veterinary Ophthalmology·2017·Specialistische Dierenkliniek Utrecht (SDU) Middenwetering 19 3543 AR Utrecht Netherlands, Netherlands·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Rabbits with naturally occurring cataracts referred for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation: a preliminary study of 12 cases
- Species:
- rabbit
Plain-English summary
A group of rabbits with cataracts that affected their vision were brought in for surgery to remove the cloudy lenses and replace them with artificial ones. Out of the 15 rabbits, 13 underwent the procedure, which involved using special tools to break up the cataracts and insert new lenses. Most rabbits showed improvement in their ability to follow visual cues after surgery, indicating better vision. While there were some complications during the procedure, the overall results were positive, with many rabbits enjoying a clearer vision for up to two years after the surgery.
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Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo describe the presentation of 15 rabbits with naturally occurring cataracts referred for phacoemulsification surgery, the procedure in 13 cases and the follow‐up in 12.Animals includedFifteen rabbits (30 eyes), nine of which stopped following visual cues in association with cataract progression.Materials and MethodsRabbits underwent preoperative ophthalmic and ocular ultrasound examination.ResultsThirteen rabbits (22 eyes) had mature cataracts. Ten were bilateral and three unilateral. Two rabbits had an anterior chamber abscess. The cataract in one of these was incipient. One rabbit had bilateral immature cataracts. One rabbit had a subluxated lens, and one had a retinal detachment. Thirteen rabbits (22 eyes) underwent phacoemulsification. Eighteen, 13.5‐mm capsular tension rings (CTRs) and seventeen, 13‐mmIOLs (Acrivet®, Berlin, Germany) were fitted including one 41D 60V‐model, and three 49D and thirteen 58D 20S‐models. Intraoperative complications included one unilateral posterior‐capsular tear, one lens subluxation, and one expulsive choroidal hemorrhage. One rabbit died during anesthetic recovery. Nine cases werePCR‐tested forEncephalitozoon cuniculi,and only three were positive. The median follow‐up time was 12 months (4‐24 months). Rabbits that were not following visual cues preoperatively did so postoperatively, and surgery resulted in a clear visual axis for the follow‐up period in every case except in two, due to reasons other than the surgery.ConclusionsPhacoemulsification withCTRandIOLimplantation offers good long‐term results and can improve the quality of life of pet rabbits. Retinal detachment, lens luxation, expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, and anesthetic death are potential complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.12525