red around my rabbits eyes

Question
I have accepted a rabbit that a friends neighbor moved off and left. We have had him for about 7 months. I noticed this afternoon that the skin or lid area around his eyes is red. It may be a little inflamed too. He does live in a hutch outside. He is very sweet and has a good appetite. Do you know what could be wrong with him(if anything?)? Thanks for any help offered!

Answer
Dear Pam,

Since I can't see him to know for sure, I can give you two possibilities:

1.  mange
2.  runny eyes due to tear duct occlusion or upper respiratory infection

The former is easily and safely treated with Revolution (selamectin) from a good rabbit vet, whom you can find here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

You can read more about mange (and see pictures of severe cases--before and after treatment) here:

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

The latter requires more diagnostic testing and, depending on the exact cause, possibly antibiotics.  These *must* be prescribed by a vet familiar with rabbit medicine, since some commonly used antibiotics can be deadly to rabbits.  Please read:

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

Please also read this very important article, for the health and safety of your bunny:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/outdoors.html

Hope this helps.

Dana