Several eye diseases in bunnies can stem from a minor rabbit eye infection. Late detection could cost your pet’s eyesight. It is crucial to spot early symptoms and be informed about possible vet treatments and alternative home remedies for this health issue.
1. Blocked Tear Ducts
Blocked tear ducts are one of the most common rabbit eye problems. This eye condition occurs when any of the nasolacrimal ducts, which drain tears away from the eye surface, becomes blocked. The condition is also known as nasolacrimal duct blockage.
The manifestation of blocked tear ducts usually hints that the affected rabbit has an underlying health issue. This eye disorder is commonly caused by dental diseases like orbital cellulitis, but other health issues are potential triggers too, such as bacterial infections or eye trauma.
2. Corneal Ulcers
Another prevalent eye problem in rabbits is corneal ulcers. They occur when the eye’s corneas are damaged. Many factors can cause rabbit eye ulcers, including fungal eye infections, a foreign body poking the corneas, or eye injury due to accidents or rabbit fights.
Corneal ulcers can vary in size depending on how badly the corneas are damaged. Some come in the form of small holes whilst others can cover the entire eyes. Rabbits with this eye disease are often in pain.
3. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections in rabbits, typically caused by bacteria or viruses. It is characterised by the inflammation of the conjunctiva, and the pink flesh surrounding the eyes. Thus, this rabbit eye problem is also called pink eye.
The most common reason why conjunctivitis in rabbits arises is due to poor health care and living conditions. Dirty water, unclean litter boxes, and filthy cages are breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Conjunctivitis can also be an allergic reaction due to dust inhalation.
4. Iris Prolapse
Iris prolapse or protruding iris refers to the swelling of the iris causing it to jut out of the cornea. In order to spot this eye disease, inspect your bunny’s eyes for any visible bumps.
Iris prolapse is a rare condition in rabbits, but keep an eye out for this rabbit eye problem. Immediate treatment should be doled out to prevent serious complications.
5. Cataracts
Cataracts come in the form of a hazy film clouding the eye’s pupil. It deteriorates rabbit eyesight and may eventually cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Cataracts are a common eye problem in older rabbits. However, they can affect younger rabbits too since their development is not only caused by aging but also other factors. These include genetics, nutrition, and trauma. Rabbit eye infections caused by the parasite E. cuniculi can also trigger the formation of rabbit cataracts.
6. Herpes Simplex Virus
Some types of eye infections in humans are transmittable to rabbits. The first strain of herplex simplex virus is one of them. Rabbits can contract this condition by having close face-to-face contact with an infected person.
Herpex simplex virus is a concurrent rabbit eye infection that can cause brain lesions, but this rarely happens. However, if abscesses form in the brain, it could lead to life-threatening complications such as seizures, coma, and death.
7. Anterior Uveitis
Anterior uveitis is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye called the uvea. The most common cause of this rabbit eye problem is E. cuniculi bacterial infection. Ocular disorders such as corneal keratitis and conjunctivitis are also triggers.
Fungal and viral infections are catalysts of anterior uveitis too. Rabbits with weak immune systems are highly vulnerable to developing this eye problem.
Why Are Bunnies Highly Prone To Rabbit Eye Infections?
The size and placement of a rabbit’s eyes are the major factors that increase the risk of eye infections. Their large peepers are located on the opposite sides of their heads, making it easy for dust, dirt, and other dangerous particles to enter and cause damage to any part of the eyeball.
Is a Rabbit Eye Infection Contagious?
Certain rabbit eye infections such as conjunctivitis are extremely contagious. Just to be safe, bunnies with eye infections should be immediately isolated from the group to prevent the risk of transmission.
How to Spot Rabbit Eye Infections Early
Check your rabbit’s eyes daily. Normally, healthy eyes are clear and bright and have equal-sized pupils. Moreover, the eyelid tissues should be pink and smooth.
If your bunny has red or pale eye tissues, time to ask yourself: “What is wrong with my rabbit’s eyes?” since they are often signs of rabbit eye infection. Other symptoms include:
- Mucus-like discharge from the eyes
- Constant rubbing of the eyes
- Red eyes
- Rabbit’s eye is closed or squinting
- Swollen eyelids
- Eye lumps
- Sensitivity to light
- Matted fur
- Eye pain
- Hunched posture
- Cloudy eyes
- Blurry vision
Behavioral changes may happen if your pet is suffering from a rabbit eye infection with an underlying cause. Inappetence, lethargy, and eating difficulties are symptoms commonly associated with this health issue.
If your bunny exhibits these signs, he needs prompt vet diagnosis and treatment. Leaving eye infections in rabbits unchecked can result in dire consequences, such as permanent loss of vision.
How Are Rabbit Eye Infections Diagnosed by the Vet?
Many eye problems caused by rabbit eye infections nearly have the same clinical signs. For instance, rabbit conjunctivitis symptoms such as eye inflammation are also present in corneal ulcers and blocked tear ducts.
To make the right diagnosis, the vet will run several tests, and here are some of them:
- Light sensitivity testing helps determine the presence of corneal injuries and ulcerations.
- Culture and sensitivity testing is carried out to discern what type of bacteria is causing the rabbit eye infection.
- Eye staining involves placing a special dye on pet rabbits’ eyes and exposing them to ultraviolet light to find rabbit eye infections or corneal ulcers.
- Diagnostic imaging tests, including ultrasound, endoscopy, and radiography, are useful in revealing abnormal masses in the eyes.
- A biopsy is usually run after diagnostic imaging to determine the type of lesion.
How Are Rabbit Eye Infections Treated by the Vet?
Treatment of eye disorders brought on by rabbit eye infections may vary greatly. Blocked tear ducts are treated by flushing out the debris using a saline solution. The vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics for rabbit eye infections.
Medical care for pet rabbits with corneal ulcers includes medications, which help alleviate the pain and hasten the healing process. In some cases, the vet will include topical antibiotics to get rid of the eye infection. Severe corneal ulcers, on the other hand, are corrected through surgery.
If the rabbit eye infection resulted in conjunctivitis or rabbit sore eyes, eye drops and topical ointments are the most common treatment options.
Rabbit eye problems such as iris prolapse and cataracts don’t need major treatments if they are mild. Over-the-counter eye drops for rabbits can help prevent them from progressing. However, severe cases may require surgical correction. If this is not feasible, the vet may recommend enucleation or surgical removal of the affected eye.
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How Do You Treat an Eye Infection in Rabbits at Home?
Some of the most popular rabbit eye infection treatments are turmeric, aloe vera, and coconut oil. Here is how they are administered on bunnies:
Home Rabbit Eye Infection Remedy #1: Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anaesthetic that is safe to use on rabbits. Boil this herb with water and let it cool completely. Dip a clean cloth into the turmeric mixture and wipe it gently on the rabbit’s watery eye to remove all the gunk and clean the rabbit’s eye. It can be an effective rabbit runny eye home treatment.
Home Rabbit Eye Infection Remedy #2: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has soothing properties which relieve inflammation caused by eye infections. Squeeze out the gel and apply it around the infected area. Only use minimal amounts since all-natural aloe vera gel has a laxative effect if your bunny ingests it excessively.
Home Rabbit Eye Infection Remedy #3: Coconut Oil
Coconut oil promotes fast healing and alleviates eye irritation. Apply and massage coconut oil gently on inflamed areas. Repeat this at least 2-3 times per day to ease the eye infection quickly.
Some pet owners use tea tree oil as a home remedy for rabbit weepy eyes. However, it is highly toxic to bunnies; therefore, we don’t recommend this treatment. Consulting the vet for medical advice should be done before carrying out any of these home rabbit eye infection remedies.
Not A Cure-All for Rabbit Eye Infections
Rabbit eye infection home treatments are useful if you are in a crunch and don’t have time to take your bunny to the vet. However, they are only temporary solutions as most rabbit eye infections can worsen without proper vet antibiotic treatment. On the same note, severe rabbit eye infections are challenging to manage using simple home remedies; thus, urgent medical treatment is the top priority.
