Surgical Treatment of Prolapse of the Deep Lacrimal Gland in a Pet Rabbit

A 5-year-old pet rabbit with a history of severe acquired dental disease and rhinitis was presented for unilateral prolapse of the deep lacrimal gland of the third eyelid. The prolapse was believed to be due to abnormalities of the alveolar bullae secondary to severe dental disease and rhinitis. The prolapse was successfully replaced using a combination of techniques used in canine ophthalmology: the creation of a pocket or envelope in adjacent mucosa to cover the gland, and anchoring the nictitans to the periosteum. Correction was successful and the gland remained in place without complications until the rabbit’s death 4.5 years later.