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3rd eyelid swollen and red

22 10:28:28

Question
My bunnies third eyelid shows most of the time. The right is the worst. It is swollen and her eye waters. I have taken her to my vet who asked his rabbit contact and they cannot come up with what the problem is. Both are well versed in rabbits. It looks like she has a tumor in the eyelid. Everything else about her is fine....except she is dirtier than usual in her rear area and she is not using the litter box like she use to.
She is an older bunny. I have had her since 2001 and she had to of been at least a year old then. I am using an ointment in her eyes...steroid I believe.
Any suggestions what it could be?
Tina

Answer
Hi Tina,

I am not a vet.  I haven't seen your bunny.  That said, it is my purely amateur speculation that there is something going on behind the eyes (especially if both are affected) - a growth, or infection.

I would ask the vet about the possiblility of a cyst or tumor behind there.  X-rays or an ultrasound should be able to help identify something abnormal.  A tumor or cyst should have a different density and show up on an xray.

Ask the vet about the possibility of exophthalmos occurring.  Apparently this is a condition where tumors/cysts behind the eye sockets cause the bulging in one or both eyes.  They can do different solutions depending on what it is.

Sinus infections and molar problems can also cause problems around the eyes.

Other things I would want conclusively answered:

1. Did they rule out tear duct issues?

2. Infections within the eye/immediate underlying sinus areas?

3. Have they ruled out tooth roots growing into the eye areas from below?  Older bunnies can sometimes develop tooth problems.

As she is an older bunny, watch how much food you are giving her, especially treats and food pellets (higher calorie items).  Messy butt is the first symptom of an overweight rabbit.  As she is older she may also be having a harder time reaching down to eat her cecal pellet clusters.  You may want to consider giving her glucosamine and MSM (a form of organic sulfur).  It works for people and pets.  A few drops of rabbit vitamins on her food pellets or greens a few times a week can't hurt, either.

If she is a good hay eater and likes her hay, cut back a bit on the higher calorie items and reduce treat portions, and up her hay.  She needs the hay now more than ever to keep that gut working well.

Write back anytime.  Lee