#rabbit glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a type of blindness that usually affects those around the age of 60 &/or those who have high blood pressure. It can run in families. Nibbles was diagnosed at 7 years old, which is about late 50s in bunny years.

How is Glaucoma caused?

Glaucoma occurs when an individual’s eyes stop draining their eye fluid properly. But the fluid has to go somewhere, & that somewhere is in the other direction - toward the back of the eye. This means excess pressure is put on the optic nerve, causing pain, discomfort, & if not treated: total blindness.

Can it be cured? How is it treated?

It can sometimes be cured! Humans who have glaucoma can sometimes undergo surgery to reverse any blockages in their eyes to create new pathways for their eye liquid to drain out of. However, this surgery is far too invasive & can be very dangerous for delicate, prey animals like domestic rabbits. Instead, rabbits (& humans) will be prescribed eye drops that will relieve their eyes of the excess fluid & stop the pain. This is only a treatment &, in most cases, is lifelong.

In Nibbles’ case, his prescriptions include three different eye drops every day: one to treat the glaucoma itself, one to relieve him of pain, & one to help reduce the extra eye goobers he gets.

I didn’t know Rabbits could get glaucoma!

It is, unfortunately, more common than you’d probably think. When domestic rabbits are bred, the “cute factor” can take priority over the rabbit’s health, leading to very flat faces, just like Nibbles.’

Flat faced Holland Lop ⬇️

Pointy-nosed Wild Hare ⬇️

& as cute as these bunnies are, the high-selling flat faces can cause health problems, including eye, ear, mouth, nose, & bone issues. As a result, taking care of a domestic bunny means also having the funds to afford exotic vet care in the event that it comes up.

Is Nibbles okay?

Aside from the glaucoma, Nibbles is a very happy & healthy bun! Thanks to his medication he is pain-free. He gets regular vet & eye doctor’s appointments to make sure he’s doing okay, & we can always schedule an appointment for him at any time if we’re worried. He has no other health conditions, he very good at regulating his eating, & he of course gets plenty of cuddles & kisses. & while he tends to run into things, bonk his head, & get lost in his area, he’s a tough little man & he always keep going on, even if he doesn’t always know where his treats are!

Final things…

The most important thing is to understand what your bunny is telling you. I’ve had Nibbles for 3,040 days & counting, & I’ve learned to read what he’s telling me based on his actions. It’s not easy at first, but once you learn how rabbits communicate, it makes understanding your bun (& others!) so much easier.

I am NOT a vet or any kind of animal professional!! I’m only regurgitating information Nibbles’ vets have told me & that I’ve researched myself. Please don’t assume I’m correct in everything I’ve mentioned! (Apart from Nibbles’ care & personality. I am an expert in Nibblish 😎) You’re welcome to put more information in the comments if you have experience in these areas.

I mentioned glaucoma runs in families. I have been a glaucoma suspect for ~2-3 years! Just goes to show you that Nibbles is in fact my biological son 🙂‍↕️