Rabbit eyes are prone to problems for lots of reasons. Prevention is often the name of the game with most rabbit eye infections and conditions, but there are usually treatments your vet can offer to help your rabbit if they do have any issues. This guide takes you through some of the more common eye problem in rabbits.

What Types of Eye Problems Could My Rabbit Suffer From?

There are lots of potential eye problems your pet rabbit might suffer from. It’s important to recognise symptoms, a rabbit’s weepy eye could be a sign of serious infection that a saline solution can’t shift.

Some common eye problems rabbits can suffer include eye infections/conjunctivitis, abscesses, tear duct obstructions, corneal/eye ulcers, glaucoma, uveitis, cataracts and infectious diseases.

We’ll explain a couple of the more common conditions here.

Rabbit Eye Infection / Conjunctivitis

Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a result of infection. Often a bacterial infection caused by bacteria like Pasteurella or Staphylococcus, it can also be caused by living in a dusty environment because of poor husbandry or the use of the wrong type of bedding. Other irritants like viruses and underlying eye conditions like tear duct obstruction, ulcers or injuries can also cause conjunctivitis.

The most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis is pink eyes. Your bunny might also have weeping eyes. It can be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

Abscesses

These are very common as bacteria enters the eye and causes your rabbit’s eye infection. Abscesses commonly develop behind the eye and are called retrobulbar abscesses. These are usually caused by dental disease or dental problems. The tooth roots of the upper cheek teeth can touch the eye and in very severe cases can even penetrate the eye.

Bacteria from food can cause an infection which in turn causes an abscess.

If you notice your rabbit has a bulging eye and discharge coming from their eye or nose, they could have an abscess. Unfortunately they’re very difficult to treat because of their location. Often, the only treatment is for the eye to be removed.

Tear Duct Obstruction

Signs of obstruction include discharge from the corner part eye which is usually thick and white. Conjunctivitis, nasal discharge and skin scalding on the face are also commonly seen. This condition is difficult to treat.

Your vet will try flushing the tear ducts with antibiotics to clear up the infection. Because this condition is usually caused by dental problems, your vet will need to investigate this to prevent the problem from happening again.

Corneal/Eye Ulcers

Ulcers are open sores found on the cornea. They’re usually the result of an injury or existing eyelid deformities. It’s common in rabbits that tend to fight with each other. Ulcers can also be caused if your rabbit gets a bit of hay in their eye.

If you notice your bunny closes one eye a lot or is constantly rubbing their eye or face these could be signs of an ulcer. Your vet will put some fluorescent eye drops in to confirm if it’s an ulcer. Ulcers are usually treated with antibiotic eye drops.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is where the pressure inside the eye becomes increased. It’s a painful condition and can lead to blindness if it isn’t treated. Glaucoma is inherited as a recessive trait in the New Zealand White rabbit and other breeds with New Zealand White in their pedigree.

A bit like ulcers, if you notice your bunny closes the affected eye a lot or is constantly rubbing their eye or face these could be signs of glaucoma. It can be treated, and the outcome is usually good if it’s treated early.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eyeball. It can be difficult to tell if your bunny has uveitis. It can be caused by infection, trauma or a foreign body in the eye and can lead to blindness. Treatment depends on the cause, but steroids or anti-inflammatory treatments can help.

In severe cases surgery might be needed to remove the affected eye.

Cataracts

A cataract is when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy. This causes the rabbit’s vision to deteriorate and can eventually cause blindness. One or both eyes can be affected. Rabbits can be born with cataracts, or they can develop later on in life without any obvious cause.

If your rabbit starts to develop a cataract, you’ll notice a white or grey cloudiness appearance to your rabbit’s eye. Cataracts aren’t normally treated, and rabbits can adapt to blindness easily. However, surgery to remove a cataract is possible and may be an option.

Infectious Diseases

Some infectious diseases like myxomatosis, pasteurellosis and encephalitozoonosis can affect the eyes. In myxomatosis, the eyelids usually swell up and there may be signs of ocular discharge. Infection with Pasteurella can cause runny eyes, conjunctivitis and abscesses in severe cases. Cataracts and uveitis are often seen in cases of encephalitozoonosis.

What Should I Do if My Rabbit has an Eye Problem?

Eye conditions can quickly become serious if they’re not treated early. If you think your bunny has a problem with their eyes, call your vet to arrange an appointment. Your vet will investigate the problem to find out exactly what’s going on, then they’ll hopefully be able to treat the condition before it gets any worse.

Check your rabbit’s eyes regularly for any changes to the norm!

What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?

You should check your rabbit’s eyes regularly to make sure they’re healthy and to spot any changes in appearance. Healthy eyes should be clean with no discharge or weeping. Both eyes should be clear and bright. Check the pupils are the same size in both eyes.

Obvious signs of a problem include discharge/weeping eyes, red eyes (blood in the eye), bulging eyes, excessive blinking, swelling around the eye/face and pawing at the eyes.

If your rabbit has a weepy eye, you suspect an eye infection, notice changes to your rabbit’s appearance or notice any behavioural changes, contact your vet for an eye check.

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny eyes healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your young rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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