Wetness around my rabbits eye after being spayed?

Question
Just this morning, Daisy, my 7 and a half month old Netherland Dwarf, was spayed. We went and picked her up at 4:30 this afternoon, and I noticed wet fur around her eyes. I don't think our vet would have let her go if he thought it was a problem. I'm not sure if its something they put in her eye to keep it from getting too dry, or if her eye got teary from the anesthetic, or even the pain medication. I was just wondering because the fur around her eye, though its not wet now exactly, is sticking up and her eye lashes are wet. I was wondering if this was normal, and even the reasoning behind it. Also if there is anything I can do to make it feel better for her, because it seems to be bothering her a little bit.

I also would like to know what I should do for her.. her whole cage is one level so she doesn't have to jump in or out of anything. She has been drinking water quite often, but I haven't seen her eat anything at all.. That worries me. Should she be eating yet? She is in quite a lot of pain from what I can see, she wants to stretch her back legs but when she tries it just hurts her and she sets back down. I have also seen her trying to scratch her eyes (the wetness, I'm guessing, is irritating), but she can't reach her back leg up high enough. I was wondering if there is anything I can do for the pain.. I am a new rabbit owner, so any advice would be useful. Thank you for your time :)

Answer
Dear Karli,

A good vet will put ophthalmic lubricating ointment in the eyes before any surgery, and the residue is probably what you saw around your bunny's eyes.  It's normal, and she'll groom it off once she's feeling better.

For information on pre-op and post-op care of your girl, please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/opcare.html

Don't be surprised if she's out of it for a day or two.  But by day three, she should start feeling better and be eating more normally. If not, then call the vet and ask for a followup visit to be sure all is well.

Hope she recovers uneventfully.

Dana