Pus in the eyes of my rabbit :(

Question
Dear Expert,

for months now my rabbit has had sore looking eyes, we have brought her inside over the winter months and she lives in our living room in a cage. She has developed sore eyes and pus regularly collects around the eyes. Also most of the fur is missing around the eyes and does not seem to grow back.
She has been to the vet and completed a course of antibiotics, and more recently had an injection of some sort. However, she is still suffering. We are cleaning the eyes with eye wipes but would like more advice if possible? Do you think she should be living outside? We are in the UK and it is REALLY cold at the moment.

Finally, we have 2 cats in the household. Any help you can provide would be gratefully received.

Andy Robinson

Answer
Dear Andy,

I would keep her inside if it's really cold.  I don't think being inside has anything to do with her condition.  Unfortunately, it is likely related to her molar roots.  You can read more about this here:

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

and

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

The pus indicates that she has an infection of the tear ducts and/or molar roots.  Has any pus been taken and sent off for culture and sensitivity?  If not, please read:

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

Many jaw abscesses respond *very* well to antibiotic therapy, but it's vital to use the right antibiotic, as you can read here:

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

A tear duct flush might help make her feel better and help clear up the runny eyes, but if the problem is in her molar roots, she'll need more serious medical care.  If you don't yet have a good rabbit vet, you might wish to contact the Rabbit Welfare Association of the UK (http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/).  They have a list of good vets in the UK, and there is probably one within your reach.  

If you're lucky enough to be near the practice of Dr. Frances Harcourt-Brown, she is the BEST when it comes to rabbit dental problems.  Here's a link to more information about her locality:

http://www.any-uk-vet.co.uk/harcourt-brown/

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

Dana