Figure 1: Anterior lens luxation in female rat
Case history and photos

History

Gemma was a rescued, double rex hairless rat (with peach colored fuzz and ruby eyes). She was born in late August 2003, and died in August of 2004. Gemma was housed together with three other female cagemates.
In May of 2004, two of her cagemates passed due to age related disease. Two additional adopted girls were brought in to be cagemates. Gemma showed close emotional attachment to Melanie (one of Gemma’s original cagemate’s). When Melanie died in August of 2004, Gemma grieved to the point of illness and succumbed. There was no reported history of previous illness other than the lens luxation.

Clinical Signs

In November of 2003 the owner noticed a reddish-white crescent-shape inside the left eye. Gemma did not exhibit any signs of pain or discomfort. An appointment with the vet was made, and she was seen within that week during which time the lens had popped out of place and fallen forward.

Diagnosis

Anterior lens luxation of undetermined cause.

Treatment

The vet determined that surgical repair/lens removal was of to great a risk in a rat, and that the condition could be medically followed in the event any secondary complications presented.

Outcome

By December 10th of 2003 the lens of the left eye was almost completely out of place, and by December 25th the lens had settled in to its final position at which time the eye began to shrink. No further changes occurred to the eye, and she adapted well with the just the use of her right eye. The condition never slowed down her activity, and she continued to enjoy running for hours on a rodent wheel every day.

Photos

Case history and photos courtesy of: M. Angel King

Posted on April 13, 2011, 14:48, Last updated on May 5, 2011, 17:55 | Figures