Rabbit has white liquid coming from his eye

Question
my rabbit had a white liquid coming from his eye

Answer
Dear Karla,

Sorry for the delay in answering.  This question was in the Question Pool, where another expert had placed it.  I have only just now received it.

Normal rabbit tears are somewhat milky, and may look white if they come out onto the cheek.  But that's not where they're supposed to go.  It's possible that your bunny has a blocked tear duct, and this may need the attention of a good rabbit vet, whom you can find here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

A blocked tear duct can happen because cellular and bacterial debris block the tube, which travels right under the eye, between the eye socket and tooth roots, and opens into the back of the mouth (like our own tear ducts).  In older rabbits, intrusion of the tooth roots farther into the skull than normal can cause the tear duct to pinch off, and tears to back up and fall out onto the cheek.  

In many cases, your vet will simply prescribe an ophthalmic (you can't use regular ointments in the eye) triple antibiotic ointment with a bit of corticosteroid in it.  This will kill bacteria and reduce swelling, allowing the tear duct to open.  If this doesn't work in a few days, then a tear duct flush could be necessary.

If a tear duct is completely and permanently blocked, then daily washing of the cheeks to prevent the caustic tears from burning the skin and causing fur loss may be necessary.  But I hope it doesn't come to that for your bunny.

You can read more about the tooth/tear connection here:

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

and learn all about the best rabbit care and information here:

www.rabbit.org/

Hope that helps!

Dana