Meibomian cyst or the growth of a white nodule
on the rabbit eyelid
Esther van Praag, Ph.D.
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Warning: this file
contains pictures that may be distressing for people.
The meibomian glands, located in the tarsal plate of the eyelid, are
sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands. Its secretions help lubricate the eyelids.
Sometimes the glands become impacted or blocked and a meibomian cyst
(chalazion) will develop. It is a slowly growing, firm nodule, located on the
upper or lower eyelid. The accumulation of secretions within the glands is
caused either by an impaction of the gland opening, a thickening of the oil or
the presence of a tumor next to the glands that hinder proper drainage by
compressing the opening. The distended gland may rupture and the freed
material will irritate the surrounding tissue, which becomes granulomatous.
The accumulation of secretion on the edge of the lids can lead to the
development of bacteria normally found on the skin, or pathogen bacteria such
as Staphylococcus sp. or Streptococcus sp. If the nodule is
infected, it becomes painful and swollen.
Diagnosis
While clinical signs are evident, the meibomian
cyst must be differentiated from conjunctivitis, a hordeolum (sty, a
localized infection or an inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair
follicles of the eyelashes), blepharitis, meibomianitis, or meibomian cell carcinoma.
Treatment
A meibomian cyst may disappear by itself, without need of treatment.
The swelling can be brought down by the application of warm compresses on the
eye, 4 to 5 times a day. If a bacterial infection is present, administration
of antibiotics is necessary.
Usually, the cyst is lanced with a needle or a small incision, and
the oozing gelatinous pus is removed. Curettage of the cavity follows. This
step is repeated till the cavity is devoid of remaining material. The lose
material is removed by flushing the cavity with a saline solution. If
bleeding appears, application of pressure on the wound with a sterile gauze
pad during a few minutes will stop it. An
antibiotic ointment is given immediately after the procedure.
The eyelid usually looks bruised and swollen after the procedure, due
to the injection of anesthetic agents in the eyelid, and the use of clamping
tools and forceps. This is normal and should disappear over the next days.
If the cyst is large, persistent or infected, surgical excision of
the inflammatory granuloma is advisable. If the removed cyst presents
tumor-like characteristics, it should be sent for analysis to a laboratory
for histopathological analysis.
Post-surgical care includes the use of an antibiotic ointment during
a few days and the gentle application of cold compresses, in order to reduce
the swelling.
Usually, no pain medication is necessary. When the rabbit shows signs
of pain or discomfort, meloxicam or ibuprofen can be given.
Acknowledgement
Thanks are due to Akira Yamanouchi (Veterinary Exotic Information
Network, https://vein.ne.jp/), for the permission to use their pictures.
Further information
Greiner JV, Glonek T,
Korb DR, Whalen AC, Hebert E, Hearn SL,
Esway JE, Leahy CD. Volume of the human and rabbit meibomian gland system. Adv
Exp Med Biol. 1998; 438:339-43.
Millar TJ, Pearson ML.
The effects of dietary and pharmacological manipulation on lipid production
in the meibomian and harderian glands of the rabbit. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002; 506(Pt A):431-40.
Steagall RJ, Yamagami H,
Wickham LA, Sullivan DA. Androgen control of
gene expression in the rabbit meibomian gland. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2002; 506(Pt A):465-76.
Tiffany JM, Marsden
RG. The meibomian lipids of the rabbit. II. Detailed
composition of the
principal esters. Exp Eye Res. 1982; 34:601-8.
Tiffany JM. The meibomian lipids of the rabbit. I. Overall
composition. Exp Eye Res. 1979 ;29:195-202.
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