The rabbit has watery eyes, what should I do? This is a fairly common problem. The article below will discuss the classification of ailments, the causes of their occurrence, symptoms and treatment methods, as well as the prevention of diseases of the organs of vision.

Rabbit eye diseases

The eyes of herbivores are capable of 360 ° vision. This protects animals in their natural environment from sudden attacks by predators. Quite often, diseases of the organs of vision develop. All eye diseases fall into three categories:

  • congenital defects;
  • infections;
  • inflammation.

It is important to recognize the cause of the disease in time and start treatment. Often, diseases can be cured only by surgery, neglected cases often end in the death of the pet.

Why do rabbits have red eyes? In some cases this is a feature of the breed, but more often it is a symptom of the development of the disease.

Domestic rabbit

Congenital eye diseases in rabbits and their treatment

Myxomatosis belongs to the congenital pathologies of herbivores. The reasons for its development have not been established. According to one version, a birth defect appears due to a genetic predisposition. There is also an assumption that some types of bacteria and viruses contribute to the change in the shape of the eyelid. The main manifestations: discharge of pus, the appearance of tumors on the nose, deformation of the upper eyelid, abnormal growth of eyelashes. It can be recognized in 14-day-old rabbits.

It is possible to cure myxomatosis only through a surgical operation, during which the shape of the eyelid is corrected for the pet.

Acquired eye disease in rabbits

Exophthalmos is considered an acquired disease. The disease develops due to dental problems. Incorrectly ground incisors provoke the development of dental inflammation. Bulging of the eyeballs is considered a symptom of exophthalmos. There is no drug treatment. You can alleviate the condition of the pet by removing the tooth that has become the root of the problem, or the affected organ of vision.

Rabbit myxomatosis

Mechanical and chemical damage to the eyes of rabbits and their treatment

Herbivores often suffer mechanical damage during skirmishes. Also, the animal can injure the eyeballs with branches while eating or from fright to bump into internal structures. Usually, such ailments go away naturally. The organs of vision can turn red, begin to swell, tear, fester and stop opening. A white spot on the cornea may also appear. Ease the condition of the eared person by instilling the eyes with an antibiotic in drops.

The mechanical types of diseases of the organs of vision of herbivores include corneal ulcers. The disease occurs as a result of rabbit fights or a chronic form of blepharoconjunctivitis. Symptoms of an ulcer are corneal damage visible to the naked eye, swelling of the eyelids, lacrimation. If treatment is not started immediately, the pet may lose an eye after a couple of days.

The pet can get chemical damage to the eyes as a result of ammonia fumes from urine. Violation of sanitary standards negatively affects the organs of vision. The eyelids can begin to swell, so it's important to clean the cage on time.

Important! There are times when the rabbit cries due to contact with the earth or whitewash.To eliminate the problem, it is enough to rinse the organ of vision with saline.

Inflammatory and infectious diseases

The rabbit has a watery eye, what should I do? First of all, you need to establish the cause, such a pathology is caused by diseases.

  • Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea. Signs of the disease: corneal opacity, fear of light, suppuration and tearing. You can cure your pet with antibacterial ointments and antiseptic solutions. To relieve painful sensations, pain relievers are prescribed.
  • Uevit can be caused by head trauma and infections. If not recognized in time, the disease becomes chronic. Signs: pupil enlargement, fear of light, iris edema, lacrimation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. The chronic form is characterized by adhesion of the iris and lens, as well as retinal inflammation. To cure a pet, drugs with atropine are used, the substance helps to heal and eliminate adhesions.
  • Dacryocystitis is an inflammation triggered by a blockage of the lacrimal canal. Often this disease is inherent in rabbits, with proper care it can be cured without the use of medication.
  • Epiphora is also characterized by obstruction of the lacrimal canal, however, it is distinguished from dacryocystitis by the reason for its development - incorrect growth of teeth. Overgrowth of long teeth leads to blockage of the nasolacrimal passages. The disease can also develop due to birth defects, such as abnormal eyelash growth or curvature of the eyelids. Epiphora is treated with antibacterial drugs, as well as by washing the eyes. Be sure to eliminate the root of the problem: the long tooth is removed, and the defects are corrected surgically.

The rabbit's eyes fester, what should I do? The appearance of purulent discharge indicates the development of the activity of bacteria, therefore, antiseptic drops are prescribed to the pet. Surgery is rarely required, but usually the problem resolves on its own.

Rabbit myxomatosis

Treatment of conjunctivitis in rabbits

A draft is often the cause of conjunctivitis. Therefore, it is necessary to rearrange the cage of the decorative eagle so as to protect it from blowing. Disease in herbivores is of three types:

  • bacterial;
  • infectious;
  • allergic.

It is important to determine the cause of the development of the disease and choose a treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis is recognized by the appearance of a characteristic itching. Ushasty is prescribed drugs for allergies. It is also important to identify what exactly this reaction has arisen.

Note! Infectious conjunctivitis causes small dust particles to enter the eyes. Also, the reason for its development is a lack of vitamin A and B2.

This type of disease is accompanied by such manifestations as tearing, swelling and redness. To alleviate the condition of the pet, his eyes are treated with a solution of manganese or boric acid.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also called purulent. If the rabbit's eyes are swollen, they begin to fester or sour, then this is a sign of the development of this form of ailment. In an advanced stage, the eared cannot open the organs of vision. You can cure fluff by washing with an antiseptic, as well as antibiotics. The specialist selects the treatment, taking into account the results of resistance tests.

Cataract and glaucoma

Cataracts develop due to diabetes mellitus, old age or complications from encephalitis. The main symptom is lens clouding. The veterinarian can make this diagnosis only after taking and examining blood and urine tests.

Rabbit vaccination

Glaucoma is a consequence of increased intraocular pressure. The disease may be congenital or begin to develop due to the old age of the pet. The development of glaucoma is recognized by the bulge of the eyes. The disease is accompanied by pain and a drop in visual acuity. The disease cannot be completely cured, and the eye is removed surgically. In the initial stages, the condition of the animal is alleviated with the help of supportive therapy.

Prevention at home

Diseases in rabbits are easier to prevent than to cure later. Preventive measures:

  • make sure the cage is protected from drafts;
  • provide your pet with a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals;
  • carry out timely vaccination.

Important! Particular attention should be paid to pregnant and pregnant rabbits, as well as young animals, since they are most susceptible to various ailments.

Eye disease in herbivores is a fairly common problem. Rabbit eye diseases require careful treatment. It is important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations You should not carry out the treatment yourself, since due to the ignorance of the breeder, the fluffy may die. An experienced specialist is able to determine why rabbits are sick, at what stage of the disease and choose the appropriate treatment. In some cases, it is advisable to carry out surgical operations. In addition, you can protect pussies from eye diseases by following simple preventive measures.