Management of Dacryocystitis in a Rabbit

The rabbit’s anatomy of the nasolacrimal system is unique, with a single lacrimal punctum and a tortuous nasolacrimal duct. Inflammation of the nasolacrimal duct, dacryocystitis, can be caused by primary infection with bacteria from the respiratory tract, secondary to infectious conjunctivitis or nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The latter can occur due to the rabbit’s anatomy features, the tears’ high content of lipid, dental pathology, as a result of chronic inflammations, foreign bodies, neoplasms and hyperparathiroidism. Further investigations to reach a diagnosis and to treat the condition may require general anaesthesia. A 5 year-old Angora rabbit was presented with dacryocystitis. The nasolacrimal duct could not be flushed. Conjunctival bacteriological samples isolated Coryneform bacteria, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas that were sensitive to tobramycine and gentamycine. Local treatment with tobramycine was initiated with no improvement. Radiographic investigations in order to assess dental malocclusion were declined. Clinical improvement was achieved with acetylcysteine nebulization therapy and regular flushing of the nasolacrimal duct followed by topical instillation of aqueous antibiotic solution.