Bumps on the Lids of a Rabbit's Eyes

Check your rabbit's eyelids and eyes often. Healthy eyelids feel smooth and don't contain color splotches, while healthy eyes lack cloudiness and excess moisture. Bumps on the lids of a rabbit's eye can indicate cancer or injuries to the surface of the eye. Consult a veterinarian immediately; waiting could result in damage to the rabbit's vision as well as rapid progression of an illness.

  1. Melanoma

    • Bumps can indicate the presence of melanomas. If you notice a bump on or under the eyelid, also look for splotches or pigment discoloration. These changes are sometimes apparent when you look in the white of the eye as well as when you feel the eyelid. If the melanoma is cancerous, veterinarians can remove the eye.

    Eye Injuries

    • Scratches and contusions to the eye can result in bumps on the rabbit's eyelid. The rabbit will also blink a lot or refuse to open its eye. The eye will be runny and red. If you notice debris under the lid, don't remove it. Instead, take the rabbit to a veterinarian to get its eye flushed. Your veterinarian will also give you topical ointment to help it heal and alleviate pain.

    Abscess

    • Abscesses indicate infection. A simple cut can develop into a painful infection if not treated properly. Abscesses occur when a cut or scratch begins filling with pus. Veterinarians drain the abscess and treat it with antibacterial salve and antibiotics to fight the infection. You may notice fluid or pus draining from the bump on the rabbit's eyelid if it is an abscess.

    Third Eyelid

    • When rabbits are stressed, their third eyelid can appear. This tissue, which is normally thin and white, begins to protrude out from under the eyelid, creating a red, inflamed bump. This is a sign of infection or illness. A veterinarian can inspect the third eyelid and determine the source of the damage.