Source: Honkanen, R. A. et al., Establishment of a Severe Dry Eye Model Using Complete Dacryoadenectomy in Rabbits. J. Vis. Exp. (2020).
This video describes the surgical procedure to remove the two parts: palpebral and orbital of the superior lacrimal gland from a rabbit to create a dry eye disease model. This rabbit model is suitable for studies of ocular surface homeostasis, pathophysiology and ocular therapeutics.
All procedures involving animal models have been reviewed by the local institutional animal care committee and the JoVE veterinary review board.
Use New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits weighing 2−3 kg Lightly sedate animals placed in a restraining bag with subcutaneous acepromazine as above (1 mg/kg). Remove all fur on the face and dorsal surface of the skull to visualize the surgical landmarks. Trim fur with cutting shears leaving residual fine fur about 1 mm in length. Remove all residual fur using mild depilatory cream following the manufacturer's instructions.
1. Removal of OSLG
2. Removal of PSLG.
Figure 1: Removal of the OSLG. (A) Surgical sites are infiltrated with anesthetic using a 50:50 combination of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 0.5% bupivacaine, which is injected into the upper lid and along the incision lines to minimize discomfort during the procedure. (B) A Colorado microdissection needle is used to incise the skin and superficial muscle layers along the pre-marked surgical incision sites. Gentle traction across the wound is applied to help create the dissection plane. The small pinpoint burns (arrow) were made with the Colorado needle at equidistant points along the incision line to help optimally realign the tissues during wound closure. (C) The OSLG is exposed after tissues overlying the posterior incisure have been mobilized (arrow). The capsule of the gland has been incised. The OSLG can be prolapsed by applying medial pressure to the globe facilitating its removal. (D) Forceps are used to engage the OSLG and gently remove it from its deeper position within the orbit through the posterior incisure.
Figure 2: Removal of the palpebral superior lacrimal gland (PSLG) and excretory duct. (A) Following eversion of the upper eyelid, the bulbous portion of the PSLG is engaged with forceps and dissected off the tarsus using scissors. Traction applied to the PSLG with forceps is critical to maintaining the surgical plane. (B) The dissection of the PSLG and the main lacrimal duct is carried superiorly toward the orbital rim using sharp dissection and continuous traction on the gland and duct tissues to maintain the appropriate surgical plane. The dissection should proceed to the point where the OSLG was removed.
The authors have nothing to disclose.
acepromazine, Aceproinj | Henry Schein Animal Health, Dublin, OH | NDC11695-0079-8 | 0.1ml/kg subcutaneously injection for rabbit sedation |
animal restraining bag | Henry Schein Animal Health, Dublin, OH | Jorvet J0170 | Use appropriately sized bag. |
bupivacaine, 0.5% | Hospira Inc, Lake Forest IL | NDC: 0409-1162-02 | Mixed 50:50 with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine for infiltration of incision sites. |
Colorado needle | Stryker Craniomaxillofacial, Kalamazoo, MI | N103A | Use with electrosurgical unit to make incisions |
electrosurgical unit with monopolar cautery plate | Valleylab, Boulder, CO | Force FXc | Use with electrosurgical unit to make incisions |
forceps, Bishop Harmon | Bausch and Lomb (Storz), Bridgewater | NJ E1500-C | Use toothed forceps for dacryoadenectomy |
needle, 30-gauge | BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ | REF 305106 | For infiltration of incision sites; syringe and needle size are not critical |
rabbit, New Zealand White | Charles River Labs, Waltham, MA | (NZW) 2-3 kg | Research animals |
scissors, Vannas McKesson | Medical-Surgical, San Francisco, CA | Miltex 2-130 | Capsulotomy scissors for dacryoadenectomy |
syringe, 5 cc | BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ | REF 309603 | For infiltration of incision sites; syringe and needle size are not critical |