Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

The condition is very difficult to treat as tooth roots are an important factor in the persistent eye infections of rabbits and the distal naso-lacrimal duct may become involved with periapical abscessation of the maxillary incisors (overlong incisor root with thinning or periosteal proliferation of the palatial bone). Dental conditions do not, generally speaking, resolve quickly in rabbits, if at all. Also the causative organism, particularly if it is the ubiquitous Pasteurella multocida, seems to be well adapted to the conjunctival microclimate and local immunity appears to be suppressed. In addition, cannulation of the entire course of the lacrimal duct is impossible due to the tortuous course and varying diameter of the duct although flushing from the lacrimal punctum is possible (Burling et al 1991). Even if the condition is discovered only co-incidentally when the rabbit is presented for some other reason, the following approach should be undertaken:  

The condition is very difficult to treat as tooth roots are an important factor in the persistent eye infections of rabbits and the distal naso-lacrimal duct may become involved with periapical abscessation of the maxillary incisors (overlong incisor root with thinning or periosteal proliferation of the palatial bone). Dental conditions do not, generally speaking, resolve quickly in rabbits, if at all. Also the causative organism, particularly if it is the ubiquitous ''Pasteurella multocida'', seems to be well adapted to the conjunctival microclimate and local immunity appears to be suppressed. In addition, cannulation of the entire course of the lacrimal duct is impossible due to the tortuous course and varying diameter of the duct although flushing from the lacrimal punctum is possible (Burling et al 1991). Even if the condition is discovered only co-incidentally when the rabbit is presented for some other reason, the following approach should be undertaken:  

*Make sure that the dental disease is thoroughly addressed.

*Make sure that the dental disease is thoroughly addressed.

*Under local analgesia using proxymetacaine hydrochloride BP 0.5% (Minims; Alcon), I canulate the lacrimal duct as described by Petersen-Jones and Carrington (1988) and flush the apparatus (irrigating canula reference AS85 from Arnolds Veterinary Products, or iv cannula) with sterile saline until the fluid runs clear from the the nares. The bevelled end of the Surflo intravenous canula makes it an easier instrument for this purpose. The apparatus is then irrigated diluted ophthalmic preparations of antibiotics, ideally following microbial cultures and sensitivity testing.  

*Under local analgesia using proxymetacaine hydrochloride BP (Minims; Alcon), I canulate the lacrimal duct as described by Petersen-Jones and Carrington (1988) and flush the apparatus (irrigating canula reference AS85 from Arnolds Veterinary Products, or iv cannula) with sterile saline until the fluid runs clear from the the nares. The bevelled end of the Surflo intravenous canula makes it an easier instrument for this purpose. The apparatus is then irrigated diluted ophthalmic preparations of antibiotics, ideally following microbial cultures and sensitivity testing.  

*In some cases it is impossible to effect drainage of the tenacious purulent material. I once had success with a solution of trypsin is infused into the duct and the procedure is reattempted after twenty-four to forty-eight hours.  

*In some cases it is impossible to effect drainage of the tenacious purulent material. I once had success with a solution of trypsin is infused into the duct and the procedure is reattempted after twenty-four to forty-eight hours.