Abner's Eye

[Ivory]

Rabbits can do very well without an eye (or even both! Lol.) I would follow the recommendation and have the eye removed. Even if he doesn't seem to be in distress, you don't want future problems.

I hope that this all works out for you and Abner.

 

[pla725]

He has no vision at all in the right eye. It doesn't slow him down at all.

Abnerdoes have some who is interested in meeting with him at one of the adoption events this weekend. She has been advised about his eye.

Worse comes to worse I'll keep him andfollowthe most appropriate course of treatment.

 

[Haley]

Oh wow just catching up here. Im so sorry about Abner. I'll be sending good thoughts your way. I really hope this doesnt affect his chances at a wonderful forever home.

Ive never had experience with something like this but I have seen a rabbit who had an eye removed due to an abscess and she lived a very healthy normal life.

 

[naturestee]

Oh geez I've totally missed this! Soooo busy lately.

I'm with your vet, it sounds like removing the eye will be the best course of action. Hopefully the potential adopters won't be bothered by it. It should be ok considering he can't see from that eye anyway, so it won't affect how he acts or deals with life at all.

ray:

 

[pla725]

Abner's potential adopters saw him today. They knew about his eye and didn't seem bothered by it. Although it wasn't an ideal situation he seemed to like their rabbit Bailey. The less than ideal situation today was in a mall during an Easter event. Too many people and too much noise. The rabbits really didn't have much time to really spend with each other. Too many little kids running around trying to "pet" the bunnies.I suggested they come back at the next event where things would be less chaotic.

 

[pla725]

I finally spoke to the primary vet today after playing phone tag for the last week. She agreed with the specialist about removing the eye. However, I asked her to speak to the specialist I was suppose to see. She feels that Abner will lose the eye anyway. She said she would do the surgery but she would be more comfortable having the specialist perform the surgery and she would monitor the anesthesia and observe the procedure.

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Any idea when the surgery will be? Sounds good that the specialist will be doing it. Keep us posted.

 

[pla725]

The other specialist needs to see him first. I need to ask the cost of the surgery. Then I have to figure out whether I'm paying for this or splitting it with the rescue. I have applied for care credit but I need to check to see if this practice accepts it.

Just to add I'm asking foran x-ray to rule out any other issues as well.

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[pla725]

Finally spoke to Dr. Evans today. Abner is scheduled to see him tomorrow at 3 pm. He cracked me up by making a comment about Americans making a fuss about getting time off from work even to deal with pet care. He is British. It practically takes an Act of Congress at my job to get time offto deal with sick children or parents, let along pets or oneself. Surprisingly my supervisor was okay with this. Whatever....

 

[superchar42]

One of mine is blind in one eye. That doesn't affect her quality of life at all - maintenance is usually eye drops weekly when she was in good health. Being courteous about the one eye is basically all you need to do - she likes it when she can look outwards when I hold her, etc.

 

[Haley]

So is this to further discuss removing the eye? Poor little dude

 

[pla725]

It seems like that is the recommendation so far. I'll see what this vet says.

 

[pla725]

Thank goodness for second opinions. Abner will not lose his eye. It is a cataract after all. Dr. Evans will discuss the case with Dr. Duggan. At least it won't cost a small fortune.

 

[Bunnicula]

I am glad to hear that Abner's 2nd opinion appt went so well. Will the vet do surgery to remove the cataract?

I see that you are in Burlington County. Where did you have to travel to for the 2nd opinion? Just curious in case I find the need for a 2nd op after Gingivere's ophthamologist appt tomorrow.

~Mary Ellen

 

[pla725]

I took Abner to the Animal Eye Clinic in Medford.The only other practice in Central NJ to have an ophthamologist on staff is Red Bank. Other than that Penn is the place to go.

It was the same place different vet. Actually Dr. Evans is still a resident. He is supervised by both Dr. Clinton and Dr. Peiffer at the University of Penn. Dr. Evans has limited his practice lately due to medical issues so you may have to wait a bit.
Dr. Clinton is old school. He recommends removing the eye to just about everyone.

Your primary vet will have to make a referral.

Dr. Clinton and Dr. Evans will do the surgery and Dr. Duggan will be there in support.

 

[Bunnicula]

Thanks for the info! Best wishes to Abner.

~Mary Ellen

 

[pla725]

Which vet specialist did you see? I did a look up and saw there was one in Doylestown, another in Kennett Square, one in Valley Forge and two in Philadelphia.

Hope everything went well with the appointment.

 

[Bunnicula]

The doctor I saw is itinerant (travels to various offices and does not keep his own). I drove to Harrisburg to see him. Name is Dr. Glickstein. He's really great. Does a very thorough exam. Last year when I saw him he didn't even charge me because he didn't feel like he could give me a definitive diagnosis.

The visit went well. We are trying a medical approach to treatment first, hoping that there will be no need for surgery. Here's my thread:

http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=35094&forum_id=16&jump_to=462278#p462278

 

[naturestee]

I'm so glad he's keeping his eye! Is the cataract going to be removed or is it not causing enough problems to do that?