Suspected Primary Glaucoma in a French Population of Pet Rabbits: A Retrospective Study (2017-2024) of 4 Cases (8 Eyes).

Primary glaucoma in rabbits is underrecognized, difficult to treat, with poor visual prognosis.

This retrospective study examined primary glaucoma (PG) in domestic rabbits at a French ophthalmology unit between 2017-2024. Of 211 rabbits examined for ocular disease, 35 (16.6%) were diagnosed with glaucoma, with 4 rabbits (8 eyes) suspected of having primary glaucoma, representing 11.4% of glaucomatous cases. All affected rabbits presented with bilateral disease across various breeds. Clinical manifestations included buphthalmos, corneal edema, and mydriasis, with intraocular pressures ranging from 23-65 mmHg. Gonioscopy in three eyes revealed collapsed iridocorneal angles. Treatment with topical antiglaucoma medications and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation proved largely ineffective. Histopathological examination of three enucleated eyes showed anterior segment dysgenesis in one case and inconclusive findings without secondary causes in others. The study suggests primary glaucoma may be underrecognized in pet rabbits. Despite therapeutic interventions, long-term intraocular pressure control and vision preservation remained challenging. The authors advocate for early detection and recommend further prospective investigations to better characterize the disease and refine management strategies in rabbit populations.

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