Blind bunnies-- do they keep eyes half closed?

[shebunkin]

eyelashes and eyelid

Mudgy I've just had another look when I did Bandit's Fucithalmic.
The upper eyelid does have some lashes that are stuck together-- I willl try a gentle clean with boiled cooled water and have another look.

People have mentioned eye removal on this forum-- do bunnies cope OK with that? I mean doesn't the empty socket get infected? Shebunkin

 

[vee-jay]

I'm sure they won't be at all offended by you asking for a referral. Have they not at least suggested removing the left eye? I wouldn't be happy to be sent home repeatedly with a rabbit with such a badly damaged eye, and no treatment plan, or pain medication.

I asked them about eye removal. But they said no, not to bother :?
And yes that is what has been annoying me the most I think, not knowing what was going to happen long term.
I have been asking since he first showed problems but i never got a good answer, just to see what happens in a week, 2 weeks, a month. Lets change drops etc.

What a darling!
Poor poppet-- that eye does look inflamed--I would have thought as it looks sore that Metacam would help.
But he's still jumping around. Like with Bandit-- who I think IS in some chronic discomfort or even pain. You wonder what to do next.

There is a opthalmic vet who is associated with the surgery we go to so it was easy to ask for a consultation, and I think they do know loads more than the ordinary vet. But its expensive-- the consultation was £70 then meds on top. I'm sure your vet would refer you-- without feeling upset-- since the eye obviously has not settled. or maybe someone on the forum knows an eye specialist near you??

We were wondering about a debridement for Bandit's ulcers--- but thought it could end up being painful, plus the risk under GA as he is 9.

I see that Shaun doesnt squint like Bandit does.

Please keep us posted.
Shebunkin

Thank you
The infection is being kept at bay at the moment with the antibiotic drops. When it comes back the eye swells up and goes red and pussy hasent been like that since his debridment though.

Shauns debridment was done with painkiller drops so he wasent put under GA (im not to keen on him going under as we suspect his insides are messed up) The vet just did it then and there while we were there for a consulation.
To be hounest....i didnt find it made any difference, he has had 3 now, and actually got a bad infection after one causing his other eye to go blind (was quite annoyed at that as i was never told that could happen!)
I think i may go in before he is next due (in a month..) and ask if i can get a referal to the **** vet in Edinburgh (they should have an eye specilist...i know they have a rabbit specialist too..)
I dont mind how much it costs...i just want some anwers really.

 

[Fran G]

I do not have experience with a blind rabbit.
But if you think that he is in pain, and isn't showing normal characteristics that maybe having him out to sleep would be a kind answer.

But only if it is something that leaves him in constant pain, other wise I see know issue of a blind rabbit, When my bunnies are relaxed they alway sit with there eyes half closed, so maybe its a relaxed thing or is it a more permeant thing?