baby dutch with eye problem

Question
Hi,
I breed dutch rabbits and this is my 3rd litter experience so I'm new at it.  We have six kits that are 2 weeks old.  All eyes are open except one only has one eye open and the other looks almost infected.  It has puss on it and it seems to caked shut from it.  This is only apparent on close inspection.  I use vanodine in my rabbitry and have a solution of 1/4 tsp per gallon for wound and eye spray.  I've been cleaning the area for the past 2 days and have been able to gently pry the area open.  The inside is red and instead of the normal black eye under the lid, I see a little black and a lot of white.  I'm wondering if the eye is even there and that's why its pussing.  Have you ever had a similar experience and if so what would you recommend.  I saw somewhere to use peroxide to help babies open their eyes but I've never done that. Thank you, Dawn

Answer
If by day 13 they have not opened their eyes you will have to do it for them. Simply use your thumb and pointer finger to gently pry the eyes open. It is not as difficult as it sounds. You are not going to hurt them. You may have to do this several times over the next day or two before the eyes stay opened permanently.  It is very important you get those eyes opened. Closed eyes past the age of 14 days can cause infection and blindness.

If the eye isn't there it doesn't mean that it won't survive and have a happy life.  We clean eye's with terramycin ointment which you can get at any Tractor Supply Store.  We also will wash them with bosch and lomb contact solution with boric acid.  

I don't suggest putting peroxide in the babies eye.  It is obvious that it is getting an infection but the ointment and regular cleanings with the sterile solution should help to clear it up.  Make sure the nest is clean.  I clean my nest boxes out weekly with the vanodine and it won't hurt the babies.  I save the pulled hair and replace all the other bedding.

If their eyes are open they should be getting out of the nest box in a few days and you are going to be able to get a better look at it.  It very well could be blind and yes it does happen.  

It is up to you.  You said you are a breeder and I know what I would do unless the baby dutch has the perfect markings and could be used for breeding, however if it is an infection the other kits could end up with it.  Just a thought to think about.  Breeder's sometimes have to make difficult choices and although you said you are a new breeder you are eventually going to learn when its best to remove one kit rather than all of them getting infected.  

I am not going to tell you what to do.  I get way to much negative input from other people but the breeder vs. health care provider causes me quite the conundrum.  Talk to other breeders in your area or the people you got the rabbits from.  If they are long time breeders they will be able to tell you what they do with fading kits or kits with infections.  

The baby is to young to go to the vet so unless you have one that is willing to come out to your place there really isn't much else you can do other than keep it clean.

Sorry

Pam

I just found a site on rabbits eyes that I thought you might want to take a look at I don't know if it will help but it has some pretty interesting information

http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/eyes.shtml