Dimples running eyes

Question
about 2 years ago on the day my other rabbit died, Dimples' eyes became very runny.  I took her to two different vets.  It's not Paturella (sp?), teeth looked fine, probably not tear ducts, possible allergies...and lots of antibotic ointments later, she has no relief.  I wash her eyes out 1-2x/day, but she must be uncomfortable...what can I do for her?

Answer
Dear Suzy,

You say that her teeth look fine, but has anyone checked her molars?  You also say "probably not tear ducts," but pretty much the only cause of runny eyes other than severe corneal problems or glaucoma would be blocked or partly occluded tear ducts.  These either need to be flushed, or the bunny put on the appropriate antibiotics to clear bacterial sludge from the ducts, if that's all that's blocking them.

For more complete information on the most common causes of runny eyes in rabbits, please read:

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

It might be fruitful for the vet to take a sample of eye discharge and send it to a lab for culture and sensitivity testing:

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

It might be necessary for her to be on *systemic* antibiotics.  We have a big rabbit, Vash, who has chronic runny eyes, and the *only* thing that helps is for him to be on systemic zeniquin (a powerful fluoroquinolone antibiotic).

If you think your present vets might be more familiar with cats/dogs than with rabbits, please check the list linked here for an experienced rabbit vet who can give you a second opinion:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana