What Are the Treatments for Runny Eyes in Rabbits?

Rabbits can make wonderful pets. They're cute, curious, cuddly and relatively small. Yet, like any pet, they're subject to illness and disease. The best practice to ward off illness is prevention. Be sure to feed your pet a healthy diet and keep the cage clean at all times. Keep your rabbit away from drafts or direct heat. Also, keep part of the cage floor covered with plexiglass or another solid surface to give paws relief from the wire surface. Even with the best of care, though, rabbits can become sick. One common symptom of illness in rabbits is runny eyes. Consider some of the factors that cause runny eyes and their treatments.

  1. Upper Resiratory Infection

    • The most common cause of runny eyes in rabbits is an upper respiratory infection. Though the actual name is pasteurellosis, it is more commonly called "snuffles." This illness causes runny nose, eyes and sneezing. It's similar to a human cold, but it's caused by bacteria instead of a virus. Because it's bacterial, it can be treated with antibiotics. Since rabbits are resistant to certain antibiotics, it's important to have your veterinarian take a culture to identify the pathogen and treat it accordingly. If left untreated, upper respiratory infections can lead to pneumonia, which can be deadly, so it's crucial to consult your vet.

    Lower Respiratory Infection

    • If a rabbit develops pneumonia -- a lower respiratory infection -- it may produce eye discharge, as well. The rabbit's breathing may sound raspy. Also, in an attempt to get more oxygen, the rabbit may point its nose in the air and stretch its neck. If your pet develops these symptoms, take it to the vet immediately. The vet may use a nebulizer, as well as other drugs and antibiotics, to open the airways.

    Dental Issues

    • Rabbits often have dental issues that can cause runny eyes. This is more likely to be the case in older rabbits that have had time to develop molar spurs or root problems. These problems can cause inflammation or infections in the sinuses. Also in older rabbits, metabolic bone disease can cause loss of bone density in the skull. If molar or incisor roots push against these weakened skull bones, the tear ducts can become blocked. Since the ducts cannot empty into the back of the mouth as they normally would, this causes runny eyes. A vet or a veterinary ophthalmologist should be consulted, and tooth removal may be necessary.

    Home Treatment

    • Though you should always consult a vet with any serious or recurring health problem in your rabbit, there are things you can do at home to help with the effects of runny eyes. Warm washcloth compresses may help soften dried tears. Also, a fine-toothed flea comb can remove crusty residue on the fur. Getting another spayed or neutered rabbit can prove beneficial, as bunnies spend a lot of time grooming each other's faces.