One eye looks different.....

Question
I have a 6 year old male (but nutered) angora rabbit.  he is house trained and has never been in a cage.  About a month ago I notice that one eye was leaky a little bit, the fluid would bunch up his hair under his eye and make it fall out. The lady who cuts his hair told me to clean the area with warm water regularly, so that is what i did.  It seemed to get better, but the oher day when he was lying down I noticed that the bottom of the eye (near the nose and only noticable when his eye is turned a certain way) it seems to have a white/filmy spot.  also, the same eye seems to be sticking out a little more then the other.  I know that I should take him to the Vet. but I want to go with some info. as to what it could be.  i don't have a vet. here (in Ottawa, ONT. Canada) that I really trust to know what is going on with a rabbit.
Also- do rabbits need shots??  i brought him in once for a check-up and the vet. basically just looked at him, told me rabbits don't get shots, charged me $75 and sent me on my way.
Any info. you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Genevieve

Rabbits don't get shots but it is good to have a check-up.

The eye issue could be caused by the teeth.  The back molars can get spurs and they can grow into the sinuses.  This can cause the eyes to be pushed forward.

I am not sure where Ottawa is but are you close to the Niagara Falls border?  There is a clinic in Orchard Park New York that is about 25 minutes from Niagara Falls.  They have a doctor their that deals specifically with rabbits.  If you are close to the border let me know and send me a private message and I will tell you his name.  That is where all my rabbits go.

Also if you ask Dana Krempels she has an excellent article on eye problems in rabbits.  She is another expert here but I don't have access to the article.  I have seen it before but did an internet search and can't find it.  It basically explains why the eye will pop out of the head and become watery if there is an issue with the teeth.

Other problems such as ocular tumors or metabolic bone disease can cause drainage and problems.  

The very best thing to do is to get a hold of a good rabbit savvy veterinarian right away.  Since your bunny is a bit on the older side I would strongly suspect its teeth.

Here is a link for you to get ahold of Ms. Krempels

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/703-35789/Rabbits/Dana-Krempels-Ph-D.htm

I just noticed she is on vacation for about another week but you can keep it for the future.  

Depending on how close you are to the US border you may be better off trying a US vet.  It is legal to take lagomorphs into the US without a health certificate and if you decide to try this route I can give you the phone number for the Canadian government veterinary department and they can fax you or mail you a letter with the exact written law so that you won't get hung up or stopped at the border.  We have to use it frequently when traveling to shows.  There is no problem at all getting into the US, the problem is trying to get back into Canada without the letter.

I will continue to search for Dana's article and I will try to get back to you later today.  I have to work until 2 am but I will try to get back on-line and do some searching when I get home.

I am sorry your rabbit is ill and I hope he feels better soon.

Sincerely,

Pam