Eye diseases are quite common among rabbits. Therefore, it is important to promptly identify the disease and properly treat the animal. If you allow the development of eye disease or injury in rabbits, the likelihood of death increases. Of course, you need to trust the treatment of animals to specialists. But owners should know the symptoms and causes of common diseases.
Possible eye diseases in rabbits and methods of their treatment
When treating eye diseases in pets, it is important, first of all, to determine the cause of the disease. After all, based on this, treatment is prescribed.
Cataract
The disease leads to partial or complete loss of vision. Symptoms appear as clouding of the eyeball. The disease usually affects adults. Encephalitis suffered at an early age can also cause lens opacities.
Glaucoma
Increased pressure inside the eyeball causes blurred vision, which gradually leads to blindness. It is impossible to completely cure an animal. As maintenance therapy, drugs that reduce intracranial pressure are prescribed.
Corneal occlusion
The disease is not common and is believed to affect mainly young males. Symptom – connective tissue grows on the cornea. The defect can only be eliminated surgically, and then antibiotic therapy is prescribed.
Conjunctivitis
The most common disease, which manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the cornea and swelling of the eyes. The main causes of its occurrence are allergies and mechanical damage to the eyes. Symptoms of the disease: lacrimation, eyes fester. Treatment is prescribed after determining the cause of conjunctivitis. If the eyes are swollen and purulent, they take bacterial culture tests to prescribe an antibiotic.
Keratitis
Symptoms of the disease: clouding of the eye, photophobia, purulent discharge. The cause of the disease is inflammation of the cornea. Keratitis causes severe pain, so rabbits often refuse food, show aggression, and do not sleep. The course of treatment consists of antibacterial ointments and antiseptic solutions.
Exophthalmos
The main sign of the disease is that the eyeball becomes significantly enlarged, which prevents the animal from blinking. Typically, the cause is a dental abscess that develops behind the eyeball. At the first sign of illness, you need to carefully examine the rabbit's teeth and gums. Unfortunately, the animal can only be cured surgically - the eyeball is removed.
Dacryocystitis
The disease is most often caused by eye lesions such as rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Or dacryocystitis can be caused by infections of the teeth, gums, and manifests itself in suppuration of the eyes. If the cause is dental problems, then, first of all, you need to stop the source of infection in the mouth cavity.
Corneal ulcer
Injuries or erosions of the cornea provoke the appearance of ulcers, which are divided into several types:
- non-healing;
- infected;
- sterile;
- progressive.
A corneal defect is easy to notice. It is recommended to surgically remove dead tissue and prescribe antibiotic therapy.
Uveitis
Eye injuries or infections may cause the disease. Symptoms: constriction of the pupil, spots on the cornea, lacrimation, animals avoid illuminated places. The main prescriptions are antibacterial drugs, corticosteroid medications, drops or ointments.
Myxomatosis
Signs: subcutaneous swelling of the eyelids, ears, sometimes the entire head. Myxomatosis spreads quickly among animals; it is practically not treated.
The spreaders of the virus are mosquitoes and flies, so it is important to eliminate areas of their reproduction. The premises are also being disinfested and healthy animals are being vaccinated.
Epiphora
The disease occurs due to blockage and inflammation of the tear ducts. The causes of epiphora are different:
- genetic defects in the formation of the nasolacrimal ducts;
- improper formation of eyelids;
- violations of tooth root growth.
Treatment is prescribed based on the cause of epiphora. In the case of dental roots, the teeth are simply removed.
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids (lower or upper) is usually caused by harmful chemical solutions or mechanical damage getting into the eyes. Sunburn can also trigger the development of blepharitis. In a neglected state, ulcers form on the eyelids and pus is released. When the first symptoms appear, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs (drops, ointments) are used.
Entropy of the centuries
Advanced diseases (blepharitis, keratitis) sometimes provoke the eyelids to roll inside the eye. Naturally, the eyelashes injure the mucous membrane and inflammation of the eyes begins. Sometimes entropy is a congenital defect in a rabbit. Eyelid entropy cannot be eliminated with therapy alone; a surgical solution is necessary.
Eversion of the eyelids
The disease manifests itself in the form of swollen eyelids that droop downwards. Associated symptoms:
- exposure of the conjunctiva;
- lacrimation;
- or drying out of the mucous membrane.
The shape of the eyelids is restored through surgery. During the rehabilitation period, the animal is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. If an additional infection is detected, antibiotics are prescribed.
Prevention of eye diseases
It is known that it is easier to prevent the occurrence of a disease than to treat it. Basic preventive measures when keeping rabbits:
- a complete diet enriched with vitamins and minerals;
- cleaning cells;
- keeping animals in a place protected from direct sunlight and drafts;
- periodic examination of pets.
It is also important to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the animals and cages. Vaccination can prevent the occurrence and spread of infections. If alarming symptoms appear, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. It is impossible to protect pets from all diseases or accidental injuries. However, disease prevention, timely vaccination, and proper care of animals significantly reduce the risk of the occurrence and spread of diseases.
