Rabbit Ophryocercosis: A Comprehensive Overview
The Ophryocercus roboris, commonly known as the conjunctival sucker worm, is a slender, cylindrical nematode that appears milky white or ivory in color. The male worm measures approximately 12 to 12.5 millimeters in length, while the female can grow up to 17 to 18.5 millimeters. Typically, fruit flies serve as intermediate hosts for this worm. Adult worms lay eggs within the conjunctival sac of the eye. Once the eggs are ingested by fruit flies, the larvae escape and penetrate the fly's intestinal wall, entering its body cavity. They then mature into invasive larvae, eventually migrating to the fly's head. When the infected fruit fly lands on a rabbit's eye to feed on its tear secretions, the larvae struggle to penetrate the fly's labium and enter the rabbit's eyelid. These larvae take roughly 40 to 50 days to develop into adults within the rabbit's eye.
Conjunctival sucker worm infection in rabbits can lead to conjunctivitis and keratitis, causing an abundance of discharge, conjunctival congestion, bleeding, itching, and watering in the affected eyes. In severe cases, it can result in eye ulcers, corneal opacity, vision loss, or even blindness. Additionally, affected rabbits may exhibit difficulty eating, weight loss, and weakness.
Diagnosis: The condition can be easily diagnosed by observing the symptoms and pathological changes in the rabbit's eyes, followed by a careful examination to identify the worm. For a definitive diagnosis, use forceps or a cotton swab to remove the worm from the rabbit's eye and place it in a petri dish filled with physiological saline. Observe the worm's movement and use a microscope to examine its characteristics for confirmation.
Prevention: This disease is primarily prevented through enhanced sanitation management, the control of fruit flies, and maintaining a clean environment. Treatment options include:
1. Prepare a 2% to 3% boric acid solution and rinse the rabbit's eyes with it twice.
2. Flush the rabbit's eyes with a 0.2% dipterex solution two to three times.
3. Detect the worm using 2% cocaine drops or apply 10% dichlorvos solution to the rabbit's eyes.
4. Rinse the rabbit's eyes with a 1/1500 iodine solution twice.
Dr. Oxygen Pet温馨提示: Fruit flies are the primary vectors for this disease. Preventing and eliminating fruit flies, maintaining a clean environment, and ensuring proper hygiene, especially eye hygiene, are crucial for preventing infection. Pet owners should take preventive measures for their pets and not forget to protect themselves as well!
