by Lauren Beyenhof

Created on: January 12, 2009

A common infection that occurs in rabbits is conjunctivitis. The type of conjunctivitis caused by a virus is easily recognized as "pink eye" because the eye appears red and swollen. Pink eye causes the eye to produce a watery discharge and sometimes even pus. Rabbits suffering from conjunctivitis will have very watery eyes with noticeable tears on their cheeks possibly even extending to the nose.

Typically caused by a staph or strep infection, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the eyes. Other possible causes of conjunctivitis include a progressive upper respiratory infection such as Pasturella (aka "snuffles) or myxomatosis. Since a rabbit's tear ducts, eyes, incisors and sinuses are all in such close proximity, dental problems may also be the culprit behind conjunctivitis. In rabbits, the lachrymal duct (the tear duct) which is a very narrow duct between the eyes and nose, can become blocked. This blockage in turn becomes inflamed and a discharge results. Two of the complications of conjunctivitis include corneal irritation and eye ulcers.

Rabbits at Risk

Young rabbits are particularly susceptible to conjunctivitis especially if they are not kept in a clean environment. Young rabbits are also at risk for developing systemic conjunctivitis, which is a bacterial infection throughout the body. It is believed that low bone density may be a root cause. This happens when the teeth, which are ever growing, get pushed up through the rabbit's skull possibly penetrating the tear duct and causing it to become inflamed.

Signs that Your Rabbit Has Conjunctivitis

-eye is bulging

-swollen eyelid

-area around eye is red

-hair loss around eye area

-clear discharge from eye

-yellowish, thick discharge from eye

-tear stains on cheeks

-frequent scratching of the eye area

-eye swollen shut

How To Treat Conjunctivitis

Since rabbits rub their eye area with their forepaws when grooming, it's possible for them to repeatedly infect themselves with whichever bacteria is causing pink eye. Additionally, other rabbits in close proximity may become infected when they help groom a rabbit with conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis must be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to prevent the spread of infection. A course of antibiotic eye drops are usually prescribed for pink eye along with oral antibiotics to eradicate the infection elsewhere in the body.

A veterinarian can run a test to determine whether the conjunctivitis is caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics because antibiotics only act on bacteria such as staph. Fortunately, most viral cases of conjunctivitis disappear without requiring medical intervention. Nonetheless, it's important to see a veterinarian when conjunctivitis is suspected. Low dose painkillers can be prescribed to help make the rabbit more comfortable. If the rabbit is experiencing dizziness as a result of conjunctivitis, meclazine (non-drowsy sea-sickness medication) can be given with a small amount of baby food via syringe feeding.

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