Rupert's eye

[Orenoko]

Rupert is completely blind due to cataracts and has recently got an ulcer in his eye. Not sure how it happened, but he was improving initially with antibiotics and corneal repair gel, but has now got worse. He had a recheck at the vet today and now has stronger antibiotics but they talked about two options if his eye doesn't improve- debriding to try and promote healing and if that doesn't work, removal of the eye. She used the term debride but said it is more like scratching the surface of the eye to promote healing (which gives me the heebie jeebies!).

With him being blind already, removing the eye isn't going to affect his eyesight or mobility, but was wondering if anyone has experience of either of the two options? I am hoping neither is necessary but was thinking that I'd rather avoid two anaesthetics (he is almost 8) and if he doesn't improve maybe I should just opt for the removal? Or am I being too extreme? I forgot to ask the vet about the success rate for debridement but can ask when we go back on Monday for a recheck.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Personally I’d opt for the enucleation. I had a Rabbit who had the op’ after developing Cataracts caused by EC which led to Glaucoma. Drugs to control the Glaucoma stopped working. He was blind in the eye and it was obviously very painful when the Glaucoma stopped responding to treatment. He sailed through the op with no problems and whilst at first the surgical site looked grim once the swelling and bruising settled it looked fine and the most important thing is the Bunny, Mr Bean, was so much happier as he was no longer in pain. As he was already blind in the eye losing the eye didn’t bother him at all. He was about 9 when he had the surgery.

With indolent corneal ulcers whether the various treatment options work isn’t predictable. If he’s already blind in the eye then losing it won’t bother him. Also, would diamond burr debriding have a reasonable chance of being successful if there are cataracts too ? I would want to consult an Opthalmic Specialist Vet about that

 

[Shimmer]

I would probably go for removal of the eye as well. It prevents any future issues, and he's already not got much use from that eye so it probably won't really affect him adjusting to it.

 

[Orenoko]

Personally I’d opt for the enucleation. I had a Rabbit who had the op’ after developing Cataracts caused by EC which led to Glaucoma. Drugs to control the Glaucoma stopped working. He was blind in the eye and it was obviously very painful when the Glaucoma stopped responding to treatment. He sailed through the op with no problems and whilst at first the surgical site looked grim once the swelling and bruising settled it looked fine and the most important thing is the Bunny, Mr Bean, was so much happier as he was no longer in pain. As he was already blind in the eye losing the eye didn’t bother him at all. He was about 9 when he had the surgery.

With indolent corneal ulcers whether the various treatment options work isn’t predictable. If he’s already blind in the eye then losing it won’t bother him. Also, would diamond burr debriding have a reasonable chance of being successful if there are cataracts too ? I would want to consult an Opthalmic Specialist Vet about that

Thanks Jane, they did discuss a potential referral to an opthalmic specialist if needed so I will bring that up on Monday. I wasn't sure if I was being a bit extreme in thinking perhaps removing the eye would be the better option.

He is a very good patient, loves having the eye drops put in and his metacam so i don't worry about that side of things but don't want him to suffer unnecessarily.

 

[Orenoko]

I would probably go for removal of the eye as well. It prevents any future issues, and he's already not got much use from that eye so it probably won't really affect him adjusting to it.

Thank you, glad to know I'm not alone in thinking this. He gets around very well without his eyesight so I think it would "just" be a matter of the physical side of the recovery.

 

[Orenoko]

Sorry another question - is eye removal usually done by specialists as well? I only ask as I have some time off work next week so if it's a procedure normally done by a routine vet it would mean I can get it done then if needed and be home to look after him.

 

[Shimmer]

I would expect your usual vet to do it, assuming they normally do rabbit anaesthetics. It's not a specialist proedure in itself.

Just be prepared for half the face to be shaved and for it to look odd to you until the fur regrows. Othewise, there will just be a few stitches at the eye socket. The eyelids are sewn shut and the eye & associated tissues are removed from just above that.

 

[Orenoko]

I would expect your usual vet to do it, assuming they normally do rabbit anaesthetics. It's not a specialist proedure in itself.

Just be prepared for half the face to be shaved and for it to look odd to you until the fur regrows. Othewise, there will just be a few stitches at the eye socket. The eyelids are sewn shut and the eye & associated tissues are removed from just above that.

Thank you. Hopefully these stronger abx will do the job but good to be as prepared as possible! I'll update on how he gets on when he goes back on Monday.

 

[joey&boo]

lots of vibes for Rupert. I think I'd go for removal too. My Noodle had an eye removed (she was blind in that eye from a pre rescue injury) - she coped beautifully. However an abscess did form below the stitched eyelid ...following surgery on that the cavity was left open (not as gory as I anticipated)

 

[Pets mum]

I've no experience of this, but wanted to send lots of vibes for Rupert, whichever decision you make x

 

[Omi]

I hope all goes well for Rupert, whatever you decide.

 

[Orenoko]

Thanks all. Luckily I'm home all weekend as am on call and also feeling fluey so can keep a nice close eye on him (pardon the pun!) and see how he goes. Hopefully good news on Monday as he's never been prone to ulcers before so I'd hate to have to take drastic action but if needs must then we'll go down the removal route.

 

[bunny momma]

Sending lots of positive vibes for Rupert.

 

[KCG]

I don't know anything about this but I'm sure you'll make the right decision for Rupert, I'm sending lots of vibes x

 

[Orenoko]

Thanks all, he seems to be doing a bit better today. Yesterday his eye was closed, I think it was sore as the vet took a swab to test for bacteria but today it's open again so am keeping everything crossed that he's on the road to improvement.

 

[Zoobec]

Sending lots of vibes. I don’t have any experience of this in rabbits, but my sister was blind apart from seeing light, due to glaucoma and cataracts as a child, she was in so much pain that they removed the eye and it is so much better for her now.

 

[Orenoko]

Well it's not good news, the ulcer has spread and got much worse. Poor thing, I thought he was looking a bit better yesterday as there was no discharge and his eye was fully open but it was worse today. I'm just waiting for the vet to confirm the date for the op, we're going for the removal of the eye.

 

[Omi]

Poor Rupert I have no experience of this type of issue, but from reading through comments on the thread, it does seem to be the most sensible decision and importantly the best for Rupert.

 

[Orenoko]

Poor Rupert I have no experience of this type of issue, but from reading through comments on the thread, it does seem to be the most sensible decision and importantly the best for Rupert.

Thanks, I'm just hoping he'll come through the anaesthetic okay. We were meant to be away for a spa day and overnight break later this week, so that'll have to be rescheduled but he's worth it!

 

[bunny momma]

I am sorry his ulcer got worse. Sending positive vibes Rupert does well with his ga and op. He is sucky to have you.