[Rabbit orbital measure evaluations after enucleation and evisceration].

PURPOSE To assess orbital volume in weaned rabbits, submitted to enucleation and evisceration, with orbital volume reconstitution using porous polyethylene (PP) spheres, analyzed by computed tomography, by the water displacement test and external orbital measures using Image-J software. METHODS This experimental randomized study consisted of 48 albino rabbits, with 42 days of life, submitted to enucleation (EN) and evisceration (EV), with (WI) or without (NI) implantation of a 10 mm PP sphere. After 1 month (M1), 3 months (M2) and 6 months (M3), 4 animals of each group were sacrificed. The skulls were prepared for dry bone study using the maceration technique. The orbital volume was calculated by computed tomography and by the water displacement test. The results suggest that orbital development in rabbits above 42 days of life is not different regarding evisceration or enucleation, or when an orbital implant is used. The water displacement test showed similar results compared with computed tomography, making a morphometric method in experimental studies worthwhile.