implication of cataract

Question
Hi .
i take in and rehome rabbits for a local charity . A young bunny birn here (about 5 months ago) has developed what the vet thinks is a cataract on one eye .
She does not seem to think it is e cunniculi connected as there are no other symptoms of this .

im just wondering if their may be any other underlying problems which may show themselves with relation to this .

our vet has advised that he can still be rehomed as long as the new owner is aware of and monitors his eye but we are wondering what excatly they need to look out for .

He seems very young at 5 months to have developed this problem .

Angie Bell

Answer
Dear Angela,

There are various reasons that cataracts can develop, including E. cuniculi.  A good veterinary ophthalmologist familiar with this parasite can examine the lens to see whether the cataracts are consistent with the type of lesions formed by E. cuniculi or not.

Cataracts also can be caused by high intraocular pressure/glaucoma, which can be painful.  Again, a good vet ophthalmologist would be the one to check this and prescribe treatment.

It is a good idea to be sure that the problem is truly a cataract and not something else, such as a corneal ulcer (treatable, but do it soon to avoid permanent scarring!) or even an intra-ocular abscess.  If this were my bunny, I would get him to a good veterinary ophthalmologist for a complete evaluation of the eye.

Hope that helps.
Dana