Rabbit eye problem

Hi has anyone had a rabbit who's eyelashes grow in towards the eye ? I have read on the net that surgery is not successfull .
Any info welcome x

I have known of bunnies that have successfuly had an operation to correct this :wave:

One of my buns had surgery to fix entropian...and has been fine ever since

I know quite a few other buns who've had it done successfully too

Fantastic ! what is it they do to them to fix it ? I have this mental pic of what i think they will do

Firstly they are put under General Anaesthetic for the operation, then the vet cuts a tiny sliver of skin from the eyelid, and stitches the wound together, so that the eyelid doesn't roll inwards any more.

Entropian is a very painful condition, so it's definitely in your buns best interest to have the surgery done.

Thanks . Dont worry he is going back to the vets again ! I actually noticed this and said to my vet the last time i was there but she thought it was an infection and he was given eye drops . I will show her what i have found and the white gunk in his eyes have cleared up so she will be able to see the problem clearly now

It depends on the problem causing the abnormal growth of the eyelashes. The most common in bunnies are entropion and distichiasis.
Entropion is where a deformity in the eyelid (either congenital or following an injury/damage to a previously normal eyelid) leads to the eyelid edge folding in and the lashes rubbing on the eye. This is generally fixed in adults by removing a wedge section of the eyelid to straighten up and tauten the eyelid edge. Another alternative is to remove a crescent of skin next to the eyelid to increase tension and change the angle of the eyelid edge. In young rabbits the eyelid can be held in a normal position with sutures in the skin to correct the anatomy while the rabbit grows. This can avoid the need for invasive surgery but many cases still require resection later as complete resolution is uncommon.
Distichiasis is when eyelashes/hairs are growing from an abnormal position, usually from the inner surface of the eyelid. Surgery to remove the follicle can cause scarring and permanent (though usually mild) roughening of the surface but the highly irritant hair is removed. Plucking is only temporary but electroepilation can give permanent hair removal with minimal scarring, although this is rarely available in veterinary practice.

Thanks for the info x he is going to see my vet on sat if OH can get a lift to work , if not it will be monday / tuesday

Blue has had his op and been neutered , he seems ok but a little stressed at being inside but i want to keep an eye on him

Hope he heals well

It been hard the last few days because the eye wounds are getting itchy . I cant keep the collar on because he goes mad so i have been on the couch sleeping so i can watch him

Willow had this all her adult life.Her eyes were always manky looking but didn't bother her.Entropian is a big problem with french lops,but luckily this is one problem my unhealthy frenchie doesn't have!!

He has an eye infection now

I'm sorry to hear you've been having problems with the surgery

Have you got antibiotic eye drops for him?

Only just read this. Hope the eye improves soon. x

abbymarysmokey said:

I'm sorry to hear you've been having problems with the surgery

Have you got antibiotic eye drops for him?

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yes

SarahP said:

Only just read this. Hope the eye improves soon. x

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so do i because it looks like he might need an other op

I am realy pleased to say this op has given big blue a new lease of life he is running and bouncing all over the garden

helo, glad to hear your bun is recovering well. My bun had this operation 4 days ago. can you tell me what care you gave after? i'm having problems getting drops in
kind regards andrea

I've only just seen this. Am really pleased that the op was a success.