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Ophthalmic examination
Introduction
- Ophthalmic examination should be an integral part of any rabbit clinical examination Clinical examination.
- Ophthalmoscopy of the rabbit differs little from ocular examination in other mammals but some differences, such as the merangiotic nature of the retina, should be understood.
Uses
- Examination of the eye, including adnexal structures.
Advantages
- Ocular disorders are frequent in pet rabbits.
- Ocular examination should be part of routine clinical examination.
Disadvantages
- Restraint required may be stressful for some individuals.
- Atropine Atropine (used as a mydriatic in many species) is ineffective in the majority of rabbits.
Time required
Preparation
- After initial part of the examination some time is required to allow mydriatic to take effect; approximately 15 min for tropicamide Tropicamide.
Procedure
- 5-20 min.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Part of clinical examination Clinical examination.
- Ocular discharge Eye: ocular discharge - overview or abnormality.
- Nasal discharge.
- Facial abnormalities, particularly swellings.
Risk assessment
- Assess risk of restraint to patient, eg it may be advisable to postpone ophthalmic examination if life-threatening injuries or severe dyspnea are present.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Bedard K M (2019) Ocular surface disease of rabbits. Vet Clin Exot Anim 22 (1), 1-14 PubMed.
- Lima L, Lange R R, Turner-Giannico A et al (2015) Evaluation of standardized endodontic paper point tear test in New Zealand white rabbits and comparison between corneal sensitivity followed tear tests. Vet Ophthalmol 18 (1), 119-24 PubMed.
- Whittaker A L & Williams D L (2015) Evaluation of lacrimation characteristics in clinically normal New Zealand white rabbits by using Schirmer Tear Test. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 54 (6), 783-787 PubMed.
- Wei X E, Markoulli M, Zhao Z & Willcox M D (2013) Tear film break-up time in rabbits. Clin Exp Optom 96 (1), 70-75 PubMed.
- Biricik H S, Oguz H, Sindak N et al (2005) Evaluation of the Schirmer and phenol red thread tests for measuring tear secretion in rabbits. Vet Rec 156 (15), 485-487 PubMed.
- Brown S A (1997) Clinical techniques in rabbits. Semin Avian Exotic Pet Med 6 (2), 86-95 ScienceDirect.
- Abrams K L, Brooks D E, Funk R S et al (1990) Evaluation of the Schirmer tear test in clinically normal rabbits. Am J Vet Res 51 (12), 1912-1913 PubMed.
- Bauck L (1989) Ophthalmic conditions in pet rabbits and rodents. Comp Cont Educ Pract Vet 11 (3), 258-266 VetMedResource.
- Hamano H, Hori M, Hamano T et al (1983) A new method for measuring tears. CLAO J 9 (3), 281-289 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Knott T (2014) Ophthalmology. In: British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Manual of Rabbit Medicine. Eds: Meredith A & Lord B. BSAVA, UK. pp 232-254.
- University of California Veterinary Ophthalmology Service (2011) Examination of the Eye. In: Comparative Ophthalmology Notes. Website: www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu.