Watery Red eyes

Question
hi, i have a dutch rabbit, Mischief, who every once in a while with have red watery eyes, his normal eye color is blue, but even when his eyes aren't 'irritated' he keeps them shut. What should i do? My female rabbit, Mary Moe, just had kits, should i let me around the babies with the 'irritation'?

Answer
Dear Marcela,

The eye problem is very likely not contagious, but please read:

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

and

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

for more information on the babies and their care.

A rabbit with runny, watery eyes needs to be seen by a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

The cause could be anything from a corneal ulcer to an intraocular infection to a molar root problem behind the eye to a tear duct blockage.  Please also see:

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

yOnly an in-person exam by a good rabbit vet will reveal the problem and allow the vet to make a proper diagnosis and prescription of treatment.

I hope this helps.

Dana