Vivian is blind in her left eye due to glaucoma and while her other eye was a little foggy due to age, she could see.  That is until New years — suddenly a cataract appeared in her right eye (over 2-3 days).   She goes to a vet ophthalmologist for her glaucoma, so I got her in to see her for the right eye.  The vet confirmed it was a cataract.  (and so far it looks like a regular cataract – not one that is typical of e.cuniculi thank goodness).  So for now, she gets an anti-inflammatory which has really helped her comfort level as this seemed to cause some irritation.   Anyway, this is not uncommon I guess in aging rabbits.  (That cataracts can come on so quickly – I was even told it can come on within hours!) 

So she lost her sight altogether rather quickly. I think she can still see light, but she can’t see any details and images.  But she is an amazing trooper.  For a couple of days she couldn’t figure it out fully and I could tell she was a little confused, and she was slightly stressed by what was going on.  Her appetite decreased for two days. She was tripping over her chew toys, so I made sure to clear all pathways and that helped. I gave her lots of love and affection,  I then noticed her settling down and getting used to things rather quickly and she began to re-explore the bunny room with her nose and whiskers.  Basically remapping in her brain by touch. Definitely dealing with it well, and her appetite returned in full force!  She is getting around more confidently and even decided to venture out to the rest of the house.  She did the same thing where she would stick to the walls and learn where edges were before she ventured into the middle of the room.  She doesn’t come out as often, but I am hoping that in time as she gets more comfortable, (It’s only been a little over a week since her sight loss), that she will feel confident in the rest of the house. 

I know to approach her by letting my hand touch her whiskers first — that doesn’t startle her.  If I just touch her head, it does a bit, so I learned ways that make her more comfortable.  She also learned very quickly to follow the sound of my snapping fingers (gently snapping) to find treats and affection. I prefer her to come to me as she is less startled that way too. 

All and all she is doing very well with the sudden loss of her sight, and I am so grateful for that!