📚 What Is Exophthalmos?

Exophthalmos describes bulging of one or both eyes from the orbit. In rabbits, it often signals orbital disease—including abscesses, masses, dental root overgrowths, or systemic causes like heart or mediastinal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to save the eye and preserve comfort :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Why It Matters

• Exposure keratitis—rabbit may not fully blink, leading to corneal damage or ulceration.
• Pain from orbital mass, infection, or increased orbital pressure.
• Underlying life-threatening conditions—dental abscess, thymoma, neoplasia, or congestive venous congestion :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

👀 Common Causes

• Retrobulbar abscess: Usually odontogenic—upper molar root infection extends into the orbit, often Pasteurella; abscess is firm, painful, and may recur :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Dental root granulomas/cysts: Unilateral bulging with facial asymmetry; CT reveals origin from molars or mandible :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Orbital neoplasia: Rare; thymoma or lymphoma in the mediastinum can cause bilateral exophthalmos via venous congestion :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Fat deposition: Obese rabbits may have fat accumulation behind the globe causing mild bilateral bulging :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Parasites/cysts/hematoma/trauma: Includes Taenia serialis cysts, foreign bodies, or trauma-related swelling :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🔍 Recognizing Clinical Signs

• Forward protrusion of the eye—unilateral or bilateral, with or without resistance to blinking.
• Epiphora (tearing), conjunctival swelling, or corneal ulcers from exposure :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Facial swelling, discharge, drooling, dental signs like malocclusion or grinding.
• Systemic signs: lethargy, anorexia, respiratory changes (especially with thymoma) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🔍 Diagnostic Work‑Up

• Full physical exam: Assess ocular health with fluorescein stain for corneal integrity.
• Skull & thoracic X‑rays: Dental disease, orbital mass, chest involvement (thymoma, mediastinal masses) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• CT scan & ultrasound: Best for identifying abscesses, bone involvement, cysts, or venous congestion :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Fine‑needle aspiration or biopsy of orbital mass or chest lesion for cytology/diagnosis.
• Dental exam under sedation: Check for molar pathology; dental radiographs or oral endoscopy.
• Bloodwork: CBC, chemistry to assess systemic health; rule out systemic infection or lymphoma.

🛠️ Treatment Strategies

1. Retrobulbar Abscess / Dental Granuloma

• Surgical drainage/extraction: Remove affected tooth and surgically drain the abscess; often use orbitotomy or trans-oral approach :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Broad‑spectrum antibiotics: Penicillin, enrofloxacin, metronidazole—based on culture, often extended for several weeks.
• Analgesia: NSAIDs/opioids, along with topical ocular lubrication and protection.

2. Orbital or Mediastinal Mass (Thymoma, Lymphoma)

• Surgical resection: If localized and accessible; consider referral to oncology specialist.
• Thoracocentesis/chemotherapy/radiation: For lymphoma or non‑resectable thymic masses :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Supportive care: Eye lubrication, corneal protection, pain control.

3. Fat or Venous Congestion

• Weight reduction through dietary changes and increased exercise.
• Treat any underlying heart issues or systemic conditions contributing to venous hypertension.
• Eye lubrication and protection remain paramount during resolution.

4. Parasites / Cysts / Trauma

• Cyst or granuloma: Surgical excision or drainage.
• Pain control + antibiotics as needed based on infection or inflammation.
• Trauma: Support wound healing or consider enucleation during severe globe injury.

🏠 Eye Protection & Home Care

• Lubricate eyes 3–4 times daily with artificial tears or gel.
• Use protective collar or bandages if the rabbit rubs the eye, and smooth bedding to avoid facial trauma.
• Monitor for worsening—ulcers, vision loss, swelling.
• Provide pain relief as prescribed.
• Schedule rechecks (1‑2 weeks post‑op, then every 1‑3 months) to monitor recurrence or complications.

📊 Prognosis & Outcomes

• Abscesses/dental-origin exophthalmos: With successful surgery and antibiotics, the eye can often be maintained; some recurrence may occur :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Mediastinal masses: Prognosis depends on size, metastasis, and treatment type; symptomatic relief with eye care.
• Fat‑related bulging: Good recovery with healthy weight loss.
• Parasites/trauma: Variable—depends on severity of injury and secondary infection.

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Routine dental care: Twice‑yearly exams, preventive trimming, prompt care for malocclusion.
• Weight management: Provide high-fiber hay diets and regular exercise.
• Early dental X‑rays: Especially for rabbits with malocclusion or facial swelling.
• Monitor for head trauma or respiratory signs that may indicate thymoma or masses.

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Include ocular and facial symmetry check in routine exams.
• Educate owners about recognizing bulging eyes, tear overflow, or squinting.
• Create care plans combining antimicrobial therapy, surgical follow‑up, and eye care guides.
• Use telehealth photography to assess eye progress between visits.
• Refer complex cases (CT, dental surgery, oncology) to specialized practices.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Exophthalmos in rabbits is a key indicator of serious illness—from abscesses and dental disease to masses and systemic venous congestion. In 2025, timely diagnosis with imaging, targeted surgical or medical intervention, and strict eye protection support optimal outcomes and vision preservation. Sustained care and prevention make healthy, happy bunnies possible. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: Remote help for evaluating exophthalmos, coordinating imaging, surgical advice, and post‑op eye‑care coaching.
• Woopf: Home recovery kits—lubricants, eye shields, soft bedding, and dental exam tools.
• Purrz: Pain‑relief gels, protective collars, eye‑hydration sachets, and weight management supplements.