Eye diseases in rabbits
Diseases of the eyes in domestic rabbits are not uncommon. The organ of vision is rightfully considered one of the most important organs in herbivores in the wild. The structure of the eyes of these eared ones allows you to see even what is happening behind your back, thereby protecting them from predators. Healthy eyes of a pet are wide open, shiny and very mobile. If the rabbit's eyes are swollen or there is increased tearing, then the animal is most likely sick.
Rabbit eyes are swollen
The cause may be mechanical injury, an infectious disease or a cold. Incorrect housing conditions also affect the health of the rabbit. The litter of an animal can contain small debris and dust, which causes inflammation.
Where does the disease come from
The baby's cage should be cleaned at least twice a day, and once a month it is advisable to carry out routine disinfection. If the rabbit's eyes are swollen, then you should immediately contact a veterinarian. Many farmers are wondering how to treat a rabbit in conditions when a trip to a specialized clinic is impossible. To improve the condition of the eyelids and orbit, rinsing with herbal decoctions or tea should be done. A similar procedure should be carried out as a preventive measure.
Causes of swollen eyelids in rabbits
Mechanical trauma to the eye is considered the most common cause of eye diseases in eared eyes. The rabbit is an active animal, he loves to dig bedding with his nose or scatter hay. As a result, he is able to accidentally drive a blade of grass or twig into the cornea. Next, the animal usually begins to furiously comb its face with its front paws to get rid of the itching.
If the rabbit gets dirt into the wound, the process of inflammation can begin and the eye will swell. You can save your pet from this by providing him with first aid in a timely manner. The damaged eye should be examined and washed with herbal decoction. It is best to use chamomile or calendula for this purpose: these plants have antibacterial properties and minimize the risk of sepsis.
To keep the rabbit from constantly scratching its face, a special collar should be purchased. A similar device is sold in any pet store and will help keep your pet from harming its health.
Causes of diseases of the organs of vision
The second cause of swollen eyelids in a rabbit can be allergies. If the eared eyes have reddened eyes and a stuffy nose, it is necessary to check what new herbs or food the animal had in the diet. A swollen larynx and hoarse breathing can also be a symptom of an allergy. A swelling of bright pink color may form on the eyelids.
Another common cause is an infectious disease. A rabbit can catch the virus during a cold or from another animal. It is necessary to check the general condition of the fluffy: if he sneezes often and is prone to apathy, then most likely he was blown away. During illness, the rabbit's immunity is weakened, and it is vulnerable to various eye infections.Among them, the 3 most famous can be distinguished:
- conjunctivitis;
- keratitis;
- myxomatosis.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a disease in which the tear duct becomes inflamed. Most often, the disease comes after mechanical injuries, allergies, otitis media or colds. It is not necessary to keep the animal in a draft and it is necessary to carefully choose the bed for the rabbit. The hay should be free of fine dust and parasites.
The symptoms of this disease are quite striking:
- red squirrels;
- strong discharge from the eye;
- swollen eyelids, the animal is not able to open its eyes wide;
- hair loss near the eyes and ears.
Conjunctivitis in rabbits
Conjunctivitis is not a fatal disease and can be easily treated with medication and treatment of the affected organs with special solutions. It is necessary to closely monitor the feline female if she has at least one symptom of conjunctivitis.
You should not treat the animal yourself, it is better to consult a doctor. A neglected disease can cause serious stress to the animal, and the cubs will die.
Keratitis
Keratitis rarely occurs alone, usually it manifests itself as a consequence of advanced conjunctivitis. The eyeball, affected by this disease, is covered with a cloudy film, the eyelids are swollen, and pus oozes from the eye.
Keratitis primarily affects the cornea of the eye - inflammation occurs on the inner side of the sclera and gradually captures the entire organ. Next, the disease begins to form ulcers, due to which the eye can itch continuously. If you do not intervene in time, the infected organ of vision will flow out in a few days.
First of all, this disease is dangerous in that it does not allow the medicine and rinses to get onto the mucous membrane of the eye due to the thin film. If the disease has already started before this state, only surgical intervention will help the animal. The film is removed under general anesthesia with special instruments. Naturally, this is a lot of stress for the rabbit, therefore, if the pet's eyelids are swollen, and abnormal red dots appear on the squirrel, it is important to immediately contact the veterinary clinic.
If a rabbit is sick, you need to contact your veterinarian.
The most unpleasant consequence of keratitis is a thorn in the eye of a recovered animal. This white body significantly reduces the rabbit's visual vision and disturbs him on a nervous level. That is why you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic if you suspect this disease: with similar symptoms with conjunctivitis, keratitis is much more dangerous for the pet's eyes. To prevent the risk of this disease, you need to carefully examine the rabbit's eyes every month and arrange for preventive washings.
Myxomatosis
Myxomotosis is an acute infectious disease that occupies a leading position in the list of the most dangerous diseases among rabbits. The infection is carried by a virus called Poxviridae, which spreads through body fluids. Carriers of this disease can be:
- insects and parasites;
- infected rabbits;
- a cage or aviary that has not been disinfected.
Myxomatosis has two forms: edematous and nodular.
The first form of the disease is characterized by increased discharge from the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, and swelling of the nasal cavity. The body of the animal is covered with cones full of fluid. First of all, the muzzle and back suffer from this. The rabbit is depressed, does not eat well, and cannot keep its ears. Such individuals do not live longer than a week and are not suitable for treatment.
Myxomatosis in rabbits
With the nodular form of myxomatosis, the rabbit is able to survive and is even suitable for reproduction and consumption. During illness, the face of the fluffy is covered with so-called nodules, which dissolve on the second or third day. Other prominent symptoms of the disease are a stuffy nose, hoarse breathing, swelling of the eyelids, and wet fur. For the treatment of myxomatosis, a lot of drugs are required. At the same time, the chance that the pet will survive is extremely small.
On large farms, diseased individuals should be immediately removed from healthy individuals and then the cells should be disinfected. An epidemic of myxomatosis can kill an entire herd of rabbits and bring a big loss to the breeder.
In the acute form, rabbits are disposed of without treatment. If a fluffy has a nodular shape, then you can try to save it. At an early stage, antibiotics will help to overcome the disease, but with them the chances are extremely small. Only good immunity will help your pet survive myxomatosis.
Methods for treating eye diseases in rabbits
There are many treatments for early eye disease.
First, you should examine the fluffy. If the rabbit's eyelids are swollen and the eyes are stuck together from the scab, the crust should be soaked before instillation. To do this, apply gauze moistened with a 3% boric acid solution to the damaged area.
After the crust has become damp, it can be gently removed with a cotton swab. Decoctions or medicinal solutions are used for washing. Remove dirt and secretions in a smooth motion from ear to bridge of the nose. It is desirable that the water for the base of the solution is boiled and warm.
The affected area is washed at least 3 times a day. If the furry's eye is too festering, then it is more advisable to use the services of specialists: there is a chance to seriously injure the sick eyeball.
The drugs that can be used to prepare a solution for treatment are different. Some are easy to get at a regular pharmacy without a doctor's prescription:
- sodium chloride saline solution up to 1%;
- furacilin - one tablet per glass of water;
- tea - pour boiling water over one bag and leave to brew for 12 hours;
- decoction of chamomile - brew a tablespoon of dry herbs in a glass of water and add a spoonful of dried flowers; when rinsing, you will need to monitor the temperature of the broth: it should not be too hot;
- ordinary boiled water.
Treatment of eye diseases
There are also a number of drugs that are prescribed exclusively by a veterinary specialist:
- Albucite;
- Tetracycline ointment - an ointment based on strong antibiotics;
- Tsiprovet (Tsiprolet);
- Levomycetin;
- Futsitalmic (dissolves the hymen on the cornea, is indispensable in the first stages of keratitis).
Remember that treating the disease can help your rabbit maintain the integrity of the eyes. If you have the slightest doubt, you should contact your veterinarian: the pet's life depends on it.
The eyes of farm rabbits swell for a variety of reasons, but this must be taken extremely seriously, because the animal's discomfort quickly depletes it and the disease can be fatal.
Prevention of eye diseases
To minimize the risk of eye diseases, you need to carry out monthly prophylaxis. To do this, follow a few simple steps. First of all, you need to control the location of the pet's cell: a draft can cause conjunctivitis.
It is unacceptable to spray air fresheners and perfumes near the eagle, while it is advisable to make sure that there are no painted surfaces nearby. It is worth cleaning the houses of a pet rabbit twice a day.
Conclusion
The rabbit's diet should be balanced and contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals. This will strengthen the pet's immunity. It is also important to carefully sort the complementary greens to avoid allergies or poisoning.
The pregnant female and the rabbits require special care from the owner. In the first month of life, the cubs have not yet matured and often suffer from similar diseases. They need to flush their eyes every week.