Journals / Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research / 2026 / Volume: 9 Issue: 1

Diagnosis and treatment of retrobulbar abscess in a White New Zealand Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.)

Zeynep Bozkan(ADNAN MENDERES ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0003-4233-6496
Ezgi Sude Aybak(ADNAN MENDERES ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0001-5701-6159
Pages
—
Publication Date
2025-03-28
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

This study was to provide detailed information about the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of retrobulbar abscess in a domestic rabbit.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Although retrobulbar abscesses are known as commonly encountered in domestic rabbits, there is insufficient information regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of the disease.
📊
Key Findings & Data:A 4-yr-old, 3 kg, male, White New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) was presented for exophthalmos in the left eye which started a while ago and progressed rapidly.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:This study was to provide detailed information about the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of retrobulbar abscess in a domestic rabbit.
🔬Design:Case Report
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Exophthalmos · Rabbit · Retrobulbar abscess

Abstract

Although retrobulbar abscesses are known as commonly encountered in domestic rabbits, there is insufficient information regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of the disease. It is also known that retrobulbar and skull abscesses are among the most difficult to treat. A 4-yr-old, 3 kg, male, White New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) was presented for exophthalmos in the left eye which started a while ago and progressed rapidly. On ophthalmologic examination deviation of the globe, third eyelid prolapse, chemosis, inability to blink and subsequent severe keratitis was noted. Diagnostic CT and ocular ultrasound were used and a mass compatible with abscess was detected in the retrobulbar area. Following unresponsive medical treatment, the abscess was surgically removed and the eye globe with irreversible damage was enucleated. Postoperative anti-inflammatory and antibiotic were prescribed, a drain was placed into socket. Although the treatment process was prolonged due to the relapse of the abscess 2 weeks after the operation, the patient fully recovered following local and systemic medical treatment for another 2 weeks. This study was to provide detailed information about the clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of retrobulbar abscess in a domestic rabbit.

🔖

Cite This Article

Bozkan, Z., Aybak, E. S. (2025). Diagnosis and treatment of retrobulbar abscess in a White New Zealand Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.). Turkish Journal of Veterinary Research, Volume: 9 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.47748/tjvr.1564580

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (11)

  1. Bennett RA. Advances in the treatment of rabbit abscesses. Exotics Small Mammals, 2004; 1367-1369.
  2. Capello V. Novel diagnostics and surgical techniques for treatment of difficult facial abscesses in pet rabbits. Exotics Small Mammals, 2011; 1685-1689.
  3. Herrmann JW, Hamor RE, Plummer CE. Canine retrobulbar cellulitis and abscessation in the Southeastern United States: A review of case management, diagnostic imaging, bacterial isolates, and susceptibility patterns. Vet Ophthalmol. 2021; 24(4):326-335.
  4. Levy I, Mans C, Vet M. Long-term systemic antibiotics and surgical treatment can be an effective treatment option for retrobulbar abscesses in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): 21 cases (2011–2022). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2023; 261(10):1488-1494.
  5. Martínez-Jiménez D, Hernández-Divers SJ, Dietrich UM, et. al. Endosurgical treatment of a retrobulbar abscess in a rabbit. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007; 230:868-872.
  6. Pumphrey SA, Wayne AS. Patterns of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test results for dogs with retrobulbar abscesses: 133 cases (2002-2019). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2022; 260(8):1-9.
  7. Thomas ALN, Kazakos GM, Pardali D, et al. Surgical management of orbital abscesses in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A report of seven cases. J Hellenic Vet Med Soc. 2020; 71(3):2248-2260.
  8. Tremolada G, Milovancev M, Culp WTN, et al. Surgical management of canine refractory retrobulbar abscesses: Six cases. J Small Anim Pract. 2015; 56(11):667-670.
  9. Van Den Top JGB, Schaafsma IA, Boswinkel M, et al. A retrobulbar abscess as an uncommon cause of exophthalmos in a horse. Equine Vet Educ. 2007; 19(11):579-583.
  10. Van Der Woerdt A. Ophthalmologic diseases in small pet mammals. In: Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents. Basım yeri: Saunders; 2012. pp.523-531).
  11. Wagner F, Fehr M. Common ophthalmic problems in pet rabbits. J Exot Pet Med. 2007; 16(3):158-167