📚 What Is Anterior Uveitis?

Anterior uveitis is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body—the front portion of the uveal tract. It's a common and potentially vision-threatening eye condition in rabbits of all ages :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Why It Matters

• Painful—rabbits may squint, avoid light, or reduce activity :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Complications include corneal edema, cataracts, glaucoma, and permanent vision loss :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• May signal systemic or serious eye disease—early detection improves outcomes.

👀 Recognizing Signs

• Red, painful eye with possible light sensitivity or squinting :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Iris swelling, irregular or constricted pupil; white or pink nodules on the iris :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Cloudiness due to corneal edema.
• Secondary signs: reduced appetite or behavior changes from discomfort.

🔍 Causes & Risk Factors

• Encephalitozoon cuniculi: common parasitic cause through lens capsule rupture → phacoclastic uveitis :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Bacterial agents like Pasteurella multocida via systemic infection :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Corneal ulcers from injury leading to reflex inflammation.
• Trauma or foreign bodies causing ocular damage.
• Fungal or viral infections, and immunosuppressive states :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🔍 Diagnostic Pathway

• Detailed history: trauma, systemic illness, neurologic signs (for E. cuniculi).
• Full ophthalmic exam: slit‑lamp, fluorescein stain, tonometry to assess cornea and pressure :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Serology or PCR for E. cuniculi infection :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Imaging (CT/X-ray, ultrasound) to check lens, orbit, dental root disease :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Occasionally aqueous tap or biopsy for cytology/culture.

🛠️ Treatment & Management

🌡️ Control Inflammation & Pain

• Topical corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) or NSAIDs—but ensure no corneal ulcer first :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Systemic NSAIDs or oral corticosteroids for severe or bilateral cases.
• Use mydriatic drops (e.g., atropine) to relieve ciliary spasm and prevent pupil adhesions.

🦠 Target Underlying Cause

• E. cuniculi: treat with fenbendazole (20 mg/kg daily for ≥28 days), may require lens removal if phacoclastic uveitis present :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Bacterial/fungal: topical/systemic antibiotics based on culture or empirically target Pasteurella.
• Corneal ulcer or trauma: treat surface damage before initiating steroids.

👁 Eye Protection & Support

• Apply lubricating drops/gels frequently to prevent drying.
• Adjust light levels—dim environment to reduce photophobia.
• Monitor intraocular pressure for signs of secondary glaucoma using tonometry.

🏥 Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Recheck exam in 5–7 days; monitor pupil, iris nodules, and pressure :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Reevaluate after 2–3 weeks to confirm resolution and taper meds accordingly.
• Long-term follow-up to detect cataract formation, glaucoma, or recurrence :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

📊 Prognosis & Complications

• With prompt diagnosis and care, many recover vision and comfort.
• Phacoclastic uveitis often requires surgery, but flares improve with treatment :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Chronic or severe cases risk cataracts, glaucoma, iris adhesions, or eye loss.
• Without treatment, uveitis may lead to irreversible ocular damage and blindness.

🛡️ Prevention & Safe Practices

• Protect rabbit eyes—limit rough play, sharp objects, and dusty bedding.
• Screen for and treat E. cuniculi infection proactively, especially in young rabbits.
• Manage corneal injuries promptly—avoid delaying until infection sets in.
• Regular wellness exams, including pre-uveitis eye evaluations.

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Use eye-health packets: tonometer, fluorescein strips, topical steroids, NSAIDs.
• Offer telehealth check-ins with client-submitted photos to monitor eye progress.
• Educate owners on recognizing tenderness, redness, or pupil changes early.
• Refer severe cases to ophthalmologist—especially for lens removal or intraocular surgery.
• Provide full care plans: medication logs, pressure tracking, symptom checklist.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Anterior uveitis in rabbits is a serious yet treatable condition. In 2025, veterinarians should combine early detection, targeted diagnostics, tailored therapy, and owner education to preserve vision and comfort. With dedicated care, many rabbits fully recover and thrive post-treatment. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: Virtual triage, E. cuniculi guidance, medication scheduling, and photo-based eye monitoring services.
• Woopf: Home eye-care kits—lubricant drops, gentle protective masks, and low-light comfort setups.
• Purrz: Tonometry tools, antibiotic/NSAID reminder packs, and lens-protection supplements.