If you have a pet rabbit, you certainly want to keep your beloved animal comfortable. Unfortunately, rabbits are susceptible to all sorts of illnesses. That’s why it is essential that you watch your pet for any signs of sickness when you play, cuddle with, and feed him or her every day. Sometimes, rabbits get eye infections which can become serious over time. Eye inflammation in rabbits normally comes in the form of anterior uveitis.

This is when the dark tissue that contains blood vessels in the eye becomes inflamed. Normally, you can detect anterior uveitis because your rabbit’s eyes will start to look different. You can take your bunny to the vet so that they can examine the eyes and note any swelling, white or pink nodules and eye discomfort. They may shine a light in your pet’s eyes to determine whether or not this causes pain. If your rabbit has a red eye, or has a fluid buildup in the cornea, then this can be a symptom of anterior uveitis as well. Sometimes, this illness is combined with corneal edema, which causes fluid to build up in the eye.

Normally, this illness stems from bacteria which were caught in the eye. An E. cuniculi microorganism will normally do the trick. These harmful bacteria can even affect fetus rabbits while they are still in the womb. You pet can also obtain other eye issues like a corneal ulcer from an injury to the eye. Sometimes a rabbit will scratch, or get poked in the eye by a loose wire or another rabbit’s claws. Conjunctivitis is another common illness that affects rabbit’s eyes, and is similar to the human version called pink eye. This is treatable with the right medications, as are most rabbit illnesses. Sometimes your pet’s eye problem may be one of many issues associate with an immunosuppressive disorder. If you are concerned that your rabbit may have a dysfunctional immune system, take him or her into the veterinarian to get test done.

If your pet has anterior uveitis, then you will want to take him or her to a veterinarian to be checked out. The vet may choose to do an eye examination as well as a tonometry procedure and a fluorescein stain. Tonometry procedures will measure the amount of pressure in the eye, and a fluorescein stain will help to detect any foreign bodies as well as damage in the cornea. The vet can also perform a CT scan to identify any other issues. Thankfully, this eye illness can normally be treated at home. Your vet will probably prescribe eye drops or an oral medication to take care of the problem. In severe cases your rabbit may have to be hospitalized. Normally a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug will help to reduce the swelling in the eye and avoid any pain. You should get a rabbit eye examination for your pet five to seven days after the treatment is finished.

The best way to keep your rabbit from contracting eye disorders is by reducing the amount of germs and bacteria in your rabbit’s cage and preventing the bunny from getting into situations where his or her eye could get scratched. You should also be aware of your rabbit’s potential to get a cataract. This is an opaque film over the eye which causes it to look cloudy. This can cause the iris to swell and may cause white nodules top grow on the eye. Cataracts can be painful and unattractive but you may be able to remove the cataract through an eye surgery. Take your bunny into the vet for more information about rabbit optometry and to diagnose any eye illnesses.