Eye Infection

[Poncho]

What can I do to help our bunny who appears to have an eye infection. There is a white substance coming from her eyes and they need to be wiped daily or the fur under the eye gets stiff.

 

[John Wick]

I recommend going to a rabbit experienced vet. You want an exotic vet, which is different from a traditional dog/cat vet. When there are eye-related symptoms, it is worthwhile to get a professional assessment in case there is damage to the eye that needs to be addressed as well.

 

[JBun]

Is it sticky white discharge? Is there any clouding of the cornea? Are the eyelids red and inflamed?

 

[Poncho]

Is it sticky white discharge? Is there any clouding of the cornea? Are the eyelids red and inflamed?

The white discharge from both eyes appears to be getting better. The discharge looks white and is sticky. I've been applying Terramycin 2x daily, wiping the eye lid first with warm saline. She is an older bunny, 10 years old, and has been in great health until recently with the eye infection. I just want to keep her happy and healthy, she's so sweet.

 

[JBun]

If it isn't clearing up with the terramycin and it's been over a week, then it could mean the bacteria isn't sensitive to that antibiotic. Which means you'll need to try a different antibiotic eye drop. Or it could be the eye infection is linked to another health issue like a dental infection, and that could be why it's not clearing up with just the eye ointment. If you haven't already been to the vet, that would be what needs to be done now.

http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Conjunctivitis
https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/

 

[Poncho]

If it isn't clearing up with the terramycin and it's been over a week, then it could meant the bacteria isn't sensitive to that antibiotic. Which means you'll need to try a different antibiotic eye drop. Or it could be the eye infection is linked to another health issue like a dental infection, and that could be why it's not clearing up with just the eye ointment. If you haven't already been to the vet, that would be what needs to be done now.

http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Conjunctivitis
https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/

We are on day four and her eyes are clearing. (So relieved.) We will continue with the Terramycin for three more days and hopefully all signs of the white discharge will be gone...Thank you for sending the wabbitwiki link, it was very helpful and informative.

 

[JBun]

I would do it for much longer than that. I wouldn't do any less than another 10 days. You want to go several days or even a week, past the last of the symptoms seeming to clear up. If you stop too soon, you risk it not being completely gone and the infection reemerging more resistant to that antibiotic. Better a little longer than needed, than not long enough.