Inferior Lacrimal Gland Removal From Rabbit Model: A Surgical Procedure to Remove the Larger Inferior Tear Gland From Rabbit Eye Orbit

In rabbits, the lacrimal glands - endocrine glands within the eyelid and the eye orbit that secrete tears - consist of two types: a larger inferior lacrimal gland, ILG, and a smaller superior lacrimal gland, SLG.

The ILG extends along the inferior and posterior regions of the orbital rim or the margin of the eye socket. To extract the ILG, prep an anesthetized rabbit, removing the fur from its face to visualize the anatomical landmarks.

Using an electro micro-dissection needle, make a precise curvilinear incision through the skin and underlying superficial muscles at the posterior and anterior eye orbits, minimizing the blood loss via tissue coagulation. Identify the fascia or the connective tissue surrounding the cheekbone. 

The bulbous anterior ILG portion, known as the head of ILG partially lies on the external surface of the cheekbone, transitioning into the posterior tail of ILG. Make a small incision over the capsule surrounding the ILG head. Cut the orbital septum or the membranous boundary along the inferior orbital rim to expose the posterior ILG tail portion. 

Extend the dissection posteriorly along the tissue plane to expose and remove the entire ILG, without disrupting the blood supply. Close the surgical incision. The prepared rabbit model could be studied for the effect of ILG removal on tear production.