title: Diagnosis and management of a retrobulbar abscess of periapical origin in a domestic rabbit.
abstract: Retrobulbar abscessation is the most common orbital disease of rabbits, and the lesions are notoriously difficult to treat successfully. This article describes the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and long-term management of an extensive abscess located within the right maxilla and retrobulbar space of a domestic rabbit. Preoperative assessment and long-term monitoring were achieved with a combination of radiography, ophthalmic ultrasonography, and CT. Extraoral rigid endoscopy via a fenestration in the maxilla was used to facilitate surgical debridement of the lesion, and extraction of multiple cheek teeth has been fundamental to achieving control. The long-term use of topical and systemic antibiotic preparations and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Exotic Animal Service, Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom. michelle.ward@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D009915:Orbit / Q000473:pathology; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011379:Prognosis; D011817:Rabbits; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents