In this Animals and Pets Online article we will explain what is conjunctivitis in rabbits , a problem that can affect one or both eyes and that, in addition, could be indicative of a dental disorder, hence the importance of prompt veterinary assistance, which should be specialized in these animals.
We will see what are the usual symptoms of conjunctivitis and which treatment is the most appropriate.In addition, conjunctivitis appears in a disease as serious as myxomatosis, so it is essential to learn to identify the alarm signals to visit the specialist.
Conjunctivitis and eye infections in rabbits
Rabbit conjunctivitis consists of a inflammation of the conjunctiva , which is the tissue surrounding the eye.The causes can range from a foreign body to an allergic reaction, passing through an infection.In addition, conjunctivitis can present as a mild inflammation or trigger a serious condition that, if left untreated, could even lead to irreparable damage to the affected eye or eyes.
Conjunctivitis usually predispose to the appearance of opportunistic infections , viral or bacterial.In the latter case there will be a thick, yellowish discharge that should be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis in rabbits
Conjunctivitis is characterized by symptoms that include signs such as the following.So, to discover how to know if your rabbit has conjunctivitis , pay attention to these signals:
- The watery eyes in rabbits are usually the first sign.
- Through this intense tearing we will see the hair around one or both eyes wet In this humid area, a dermatitis could occur, causing itching and hair loss.
- The inflammation of the eyelids is able to keep the eye closed , accumulating secretions inside.
- Photophobia, that is, intolerance to light.
- Redness .
- Some rabbits they can be lethargic and without appetite.
- Others can rub their eyes.
- When the tearing becomes thick secretion we will be in front of an infection.
This way, if you look at your rabbit or with pus in the eyes, or very thick and abundant rabbits in your rabbit, or that your rabbit does not open your eyes, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian in case it was a conjunctivitis with eye infection.
Treatment for conjunctivitis in rabbits
After examining the eye and confirming the diagnosis, the veterinarian will prescribe the treatment, which usually consists of drops for conjunctivitis in rabbits , whose composition will depend on the clinical picture and the cause of conjunctivitis.If this is due to some component of the environment, such as dust or hay, we must eliminate it and improve the hygiene of the environment.
Normally, the treatment will be based on eye drops for conjunctivitis, although ophthalmic ointments can also be used.Before applying them we will have to clean the eye with a gauze or cotton pad moistened with physiological serum or warm water, from the inside to the outside.We must handle the rabbit carefully, keeping in mind account that you will feel discomfort in the eyes, so you have to manipulate it slowly but safely and quickly to avoid unnecessary stress.We can ask the veterinarian how we should hold it and, if the rabbit is very nervous, it is recommended that c Let's join with help.
Conjunctivitis in rabbits due to dental problems
We have seen how to cure conjunctivitis in rabbits when it is due to an eye disorder, but not all conjunctivitis have that origin.On times, excessive tearing is due to a problem of overgrowth dental .This interferes with the nasolacrimal duct , which is the one that allows to drain excess tears.If there is an obstruction, this excess accumulates in the eyes and mana of them.With an x-ray, you can see which teeth are causing the problem.
The treatment for this type of conjunctivitis in rabbits goes through the extraction of these pieces .We must offer our rabbit adequate food to wear the teeth.Let us check your mouth periodically and transfer it to the veterinarian if we observe that it presents difficulties to feed.Similarly, for the accumulated rabbit leganes due to the dental problem mentioned, it is recommended to clean the eye or eyes with physiological serum.
Mucopurulent conjunctivitis in rabbits
When conjunctivitis is characterized by the appearance of a very intense mucopurulent secretion, our rabbit could be affected by myxomatosis , a viral disease in which There are tumors in the mucous membranes.There are several presentations with symptoms such as lethargy, inflammation of the eyelids, anorexia, fever, swelling in the head and face, otitis, difficulty in movement and breathing, blindness, hemorrhages, seizures, etc.
Chronic myxomatosis , less frequent, is where blepharoconjunctivitis is recorded, with inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva and purulent ocular secretion.a very serious, potentially fatal disease, for which only supportive treatment can be prescribed.To prevent it is essential to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by our veterinarian.
For more information about this disease, See the following article: "Myxomatosis in rabbits-Symptoms and treatment".
This article is purely informative, at Animals and Pets Online we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that he presents any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Conjunctivitis in rabbits-Symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Eye Problems section.
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