Signs and outcomes of primary glaucoma in pet rabbits in France

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence, clinical presentation, and histopathological features of primary glaucoma (PG) in a French population of domestic rabbits. ANIMALS STUDIED: Client-owned rabbits, presented to the Ophthalmology Unit of Alfort from January 2017 to December 2024, were diagnosed with glaucoma. PROCEDURES: A retrospective review of medical records was performed. Rabbits were included if they presented signs of ocular hypertension associated with an IOP exceeding 20 mmHg. Cases with signs of secondary glaucoma were excluded. Ophthalmic examination findings, gonioscopy (when available), treatment, outcomes, and histopathological results (of enucleated eyes) were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 211 rabbits examined for ocular disease, 35 were diagnosed with glaucoma (16.6%). Primary glaucoma was suspected in 4 rabbits (8 eyes), representing 11.4% of glaucomatous rabbits and 19.5% of affected eyes. Affected rabbits had bilateral glaucoma and belonged to various breeds (giant, lop, and dwarf rabbits). Clinical signs included buphthalmos, corneal edema, and mydriasis; IOP ranged from 23 to 65 mmHg. Gonioscopy, performed in 3 eyes, revealed collapsed iridocorneal angles. Topical antiglaucoma treatment and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation were largely ineffective. Histopathological analysis of three eyes showed features consistent with anterior segment dysgenesis in one rabbit and inconclusive findings without secondary causes of glaucoma in the other. CONCLUSIONS: Primary glaucoma may be more prevalent in pet rabbits than previously recognized. Despite treatment, long-term control of IOP and preservation of vision remain challenging. Early detection is essential, and further prospective studies are warranted to better characterize the disease and optimize management.