Ocular proptosis in eye emu (Rhea americana) in captivity – case report

Abstract

Ocular traumas are common in wild animals. The proptosis or eye protrusion is an anterior
displacement of the eyeball, with its imprisonment by the eyelids behind the equator,
unilateral or bilateral. The reintroduction of the eyeball is mandatory procedure in proptoses
except in cases associated with extrusion or the destruction of their internal structures. It is
often observed in reptiles, birds of prey and ornamental fish suffering trauma, and enucleation
or evisceration may be the solution to many of these cases. For the surgical procedure, a safe
and easily reversible anesthetic maneuver is necessary. The aim of this study is to report a
case of ocular proptosis in rhea (Rhea americana). The animal in question, with protrusion of
the left eyeball, devitalized and corneal opacity, held captive with another copy of the same
species in a large enclosure with natural vegetation. It was observed that the animal had been
against the fence of the enclosure each time the attendant appeared to perform the daily
management. We performed clinical examination and instructed medical treatment without
significant clinical improvement, so we opted for the realization of gutting the left eyeball. 

The proptosis is a disease which can be treated and often preserve the animal's vision.
However, in more severe or chronic cases, only surgical treatment as enucleation or
evisceration should be noted, bringing comfort and well-being of the animal.