Benjamin Rabbit

Question
Hi there,
        As a new rabbit owner I am fairly obsessive in ensuring my 10 week old miniature lop rabbit Benji is happy and healthy! So just a couple of queries :

He went for his myxomatosis injection on Friday and the vet said he was in perfect health, however when we returned the next day we have noticed he is passing loose stools, once a day. Is this normal? He is eating and drinking as normal and seems to be himself.

Also , one of his eyes is very slighty crusty just forward from the corner. It is not red, pussy or mucusy ,the other eye appears to be fine and his nose is completely dry. If you could shed any light on either of these concerns that would be great :)

Many thanks,
Ellis

Answer
Dear Ellis,

We don't vaccinate our bunnies here in the U.S., so I can't say this from personal experience.  But I have heard of *many* bunnies in the UK having a slight adverse reaction to the vaccination, and this often results in runny stool for a few days. Please see:

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

As long as his appetite and behavior are fine, I would not be overly concerned. But if this doesn't clear up in the next week or so, I'd have him back to the vet for a check-up.

Runny eye could be another side effect of the injection, but mini lops are notorious for having narrow tear ducts due to their shortened faces.  This can cause tears to back up and run down the face, rather than into the mouth via the tear ducts.  You can read more here:

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

In such a young bunny, the condition could be treatable with a bit of ophthalmic antibiotic ointment from the vet.  I hope it does not become chronic.

Hope this helps.

Dana