Outcomes of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Placement in Client-Owned Rabbits With Refractory Glaucoma.

Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation effectively reduces IOP and preserves vision in rabbits with medically refractory glaucoma.

This retrospective case series evaluated the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) gonioimplantation in six client-owned rabbits (eight eyes) with medically refractory glaucoma between 2022 and 2025. The Holland Lop breed was overrepresented, with a median age of 5 years. Six of eight eyes were suspected primary glaucoma, while three eyes had developed presumed secondary glaucoma following phacoemulsification. All eyes received intracameral tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) immediately postoperatively to reduce fibrin formation. Median preoperative IOP was 32 mmHg (range 26–43 mmHg), which decreased to a median of 17 mmHg (range 10–25 mmHg) postoperatively. Vision was preserved in all treated eyes for a mean of 11.6 months (range 2–22 months). Antiglaucoma medication use and administration frequency also decreased postoperatively. Postoperative complications were generally manageable and included shallow anterior chamber in two eyes, Haab's striae in one eye, and iridal and periocular hemorrhage in one eye. One rabbit developed hypokalemia attributed to topical antiglaucoma therapy, highlighting the importance of systemic monitoring in rabbits receiving topical medications. Three rabbits died of unrelated causes during the follow-up period. The study concludes that AGV gonioimplantation is a viable and effective surgical option for IOP management and vision preservation in rabbits with medically refractory glaucoma, though the small sample size and retrospective nature limit generalizability.

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