My Rabbit is ill!

Question
I noticed that my rabbits eye was weeping and later i noticed that one of her teats/nipples was weeping the same yellow/white stuff. What is Wrong? Please help me!!

Answer
Dear Jess,

The two problems may or may not be related.  Runny eyes with clear discharge could mean inflammation of the conjunctiva, but more often it is due to molar problems.  If there is pus coming from the tear duct, then a molar root abscess is suspect.  Please see:

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

for complete information on this problem.

If your bunny is not spayed, then there is a good chance that the white discharge from her nipple is pus, and that she has developed mastitis.  This can happen in unspayed females who have suffered multiple false pregnancies, as tends to happen when they are not spayed.  Please see:

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

And please go here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find a good vet in your area who specializes in rabbit medicine.  It's very important to NOT just go to a dog/cat vet, since rabbit medicine is *very* different from that practiced on dogs and cats.  You'll need someone who really knows what to look for, and who has extensive experience treating rabbits.

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have more questions.

Dana