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Bunnys watery eye

22 10:41:11

Question
I have a year old Netherland Dwarf. He has been in good health since i got him.  Within the last month i have let him outta his cage during the day in the spare bedroom, and put him back at night.  Since i have done this i have noticed in the last few days that his eye is watery with a milky looking fluid.  What could be causeing this??

Answer
Dear Beth,

Short-faced breeds such as Netherland Dwarf rabbits are prone to congenital problems that cause blockage of the tear ducts.  The problem could be solved by something as simple as a tear duct flush done by an experienced rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

(who might want to try antibiotic/steroid ophthalmic ointment first), or it could be something as serious/chronic as molar problems, such as root intrusion into the skull bone, which can block off the tear duct.  Please read:

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

and

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

for complete information before you go to the vet, so you'll know what to ask.

I hope this helps.

Dana