Poorly eye

[Nichola Valentine]

My daughter's 2yr old rabbit has been suffering with a gunky eye for weeks now. He's been on 3 lots of antibiotics and we get a different diagnosis each time from blocked tear duct to today's diagnosis of a dental problem. I'm really concerned he's going to lose his eye at this rate. Any help gratefully received thanking you in advance xx

I'm new to this group so have no idea how to post a photo

 

[Zigzag]

Have you taken your bunny to a rabbit savvy or exotic vet? A lot of vets don’t really know what they’re doing with rabbits which is why I ask.

This may help

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...abbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/

 

[InspectorMorse]

Have you taken your bunny to a rabbit savvy or exotic vet? A lot of vets don’t really know what they’re doing with rabbits which is why I ask.

This may help

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...abbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/

I second this advice. You do not mention what diagnostics have already been done, if any ?

 

[bunny momma]

Did vet prescribe pain/anti-inflammatory meds if the eye could be uncomfortable? Is bunny eating normally.? I

 

[cara]

Hi :wave:

It’s been a few years since I last posted! Having lost Teddy, my last rabbit and finding it so traumatic - I just don’t think I am tough enough to go through it all again.

So this post is on behalf of my friend - the opening poster, Nichola who having joined the forums yesterday now finds herself unable to log in again.

In response to some of your questions, here is where she is at, at the moment ..

1 March Sinus Infection / antibiotics

18 March Still sore / different antibiotics

25 March Still sore / 3rd lot of antibiotics which may or may not work or eye swab @ £300. Went for swab and all okay. Eye all better

9 June Infected, swollen and inflamed eye and tear duct / antibiotics

21 June Gunky and swollen eye / eye drops for one week and referral to specialist if no better

Charlie (rabbit) eye is now swollen and closed. Charlie has had Doxycycline. Rheumocam (dog). Chloramphenicol eye drops. (Apparently, having administered the eyedrops 4 hourly the eye is looking ‘slightly’ better)

My friend isn’t sure what the first 2 prescribed antibiotics were, but they went on Charlie’s food.

Charlie is pooping, peeing and eating as normal. And he is his normal cheeky self

I have seen a photograph of his eye and it looks nasty If I can, I will post the photograph.

The eye drops might prove miraculous! Personally I am not overly confident, although Nichola does say, it looks ‘slightly’ better.

What do you think of the treatment plan so far? If the problem persists, any suggestions for next steps?

 

[InspectorMorse]

Hi :wave:

It’s been a few years since I last posted! Having lost Teddy, my last rabbit and finding it so traumatic - I just don’t think I am tough enough to go through it all again.

So this post is on behalf of my friend - the opening poster, Nichola who having joined the forums yesterday now finds herself unable to log in again.

In response to some of your questions, here is where she is at, at the moment ..

1 March Sinus Infection / antibiotics

18 March Still sore / different antibiotics

25 March Still sore / 3rd lot of antibiotics which may or may not work or eye swab @ £300. Went for swab and all okay. Eye all better

9 June Infected, swollen and inflamed eye and tear duct / antibiotics

21 June Gunky and swollen eye / eye drops for one week and referral to specialist if no better

Charlie (rabbit) eye is now swollen and closed. Charlie has had Doxycycline. Rheumocam (dog). Chloramphenicol eye drops. (Apparently, having administered the eyedrops 4 hourly the eye is looking ‘slightly’ better)

My friend isn’t sure what the first 2 prescribed antibiotics were, but they went on Charlie’s food.

Charlie is pooping, peeing and eating as normal. And he is his normal cheeky self

I have seen a photograph of his eye and it looks nasty If I can, I will post the photograph.

The eye drops might prove miraculous! Personally I am not overly confident, although Nichola does say, it looks ‘slightly’ better.

What do you think of the treatment plan so far? If the problem persists, any suggestions for next steps?

I think skull radiographs are needed. Tooth root elongation can mean the roots of the teeth press on the nasolacrimal ducts blocking them and preventing them from draining. This can then lead to secondary infections. The tooth roots can also penetrate the nasal passages causing sinus infections. Swabs taken from the eye or nose need to be done whilst the Rabbit is under GA. Otherwise the swab will be very superficial and thus likely to not grow any bacteria as the core of infection is likely to be deep set. The swabs could be done again whilst the Rabbit is under GA for a full oral examination and skull radiographs.

 

[cara]

Have you taken your bunny to a rabbit savvy or exotic vet? A lot of vets don’t really know what they’re doing with rabbits which is why I ask.

This may help

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...abbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/

I am sure Nichola will have read your comment, although she is unable to reply! Thanks ��

 

[cara]

Thanks Inspector Morse (jacks-Jane as I know you. You were very generous and kind to me - do you recall sending me the puppy pads for Teddy all those years ago!).

Good advice, which I am sure Nichola will appreciate. We will keep everyone informed as to where this goes next.

Thanks everyone ��

 

[cara]

Did vet prescribe pain/anti-inflammatory meds if the eye could be uncomfortable? Is bunny eating normally.? I

I not sure about pain relief. But Charlie is eating normally ��

 

[InspectorMorse]

Thanks Inspector Morse (jacks-Jane as I know you. You were very generous and kind to me - do you recall sending me the puppy pads for Teddy all those years ago!).

Good advice, which I am sure Nichola will appreciate. We will keep everyone informed as to where this goes next.

Thanks everyone ��

I do indeed

 

[cara]

Brief update ...

Charlies eye has improved and I can certainly see that from a photo. He must be so so much more comfortable. His eye is open though still gunky.

Nichola's plan is to see how it goes and def seek a second opinion if it flares up again. I suspect the symptoms have improved but that there might still be an underlying cause to be determined. Though fingers crossed the eye will continue to improve back to 20/20 vision!

I know Nichola appreciates all the replies she has had :wave:

And after all these years, it is really nice for me to see the familiar faces still posting here

 

[InspectorMorse]

Great to hear that Bunny is improving. I would advise that treatment continues for a few days once the eye is completely back to normal. If abx are stopped too soon a few rouge bacteria can linger and things can kick off again.

 

[cara]

Absolutely. Am sure Nichola will read this, but will pass comment on.

Thanks

 

[bunnycotton13]

what happened to him?