Breeding rabbits is very popular lately. As the popular joke goes, "rabbits are not only valuable fur, but also 3-4 kilograms of dietary, easily digestible meat."
Well, on top of that, there are still lovers of ornamental rabbits, for whom these cute animals become real friends. Like any living thing, these fluffies can hurt from time to time. The article will discuss possible eye diseases in rabbits, how to prevent, recognize in time and how to treat it.
Existing rabbit eye diseases
The eyes of nature in rabbits are endowed with the ability to view almost 360 degrees around. This feature helps animals in the wild to see the approach of the enemy in time. Therefore, the organ of vision is extremely important for these animals. Eye diseases in rabbits can be divided into three categories:
- caused by birth defects;
- infectious nature;
- inflammatory diseases;
Depending on the selected treatment. Sometimes treatment is possible only through surgery. In some cases, the animal is subject only to sleep.
How to treat conjunctivitis, if the eyes are watery, festering and sour?
A common eye disease in humans is also found in our smaller brothers. Conjunctivitis in rabbits is both bacterial and infectious, as well as allergic.Depending on the type of disease treatment is selected. Allergic type occurs on the background of allergy, the main symptom that distinguishes this type from other forms is the presence of itching.
It is treated with antihistamines, which are selected by a veterinarian. Infectious occurs due to the ingestion of foreign particles. Often, the inflammatory process occurs against a background of vitamin A deficiency. In this form, swelling and redness of the mucous membranes are observed, and the eye is intensely watery. Treat the diseased organ of vision should be a weak solution of boric acid or manganese.
Purulent conjunctivitis is caused by pathogenic bacteria. Rabbits fester or sour eyes, with the running form of the animal is not able to untie the eyelids. Treatment requires washing with antiseptic solutions in order to remove accumulated pus, as well as antibacterial treatment as prescribed by a physician. An antibiotic is usually selected after a resistance test is taken.
What to do with myxomatosis?
This disease belongs to the species caused by birth defects. Manifesting purulent conjunctivitis, the formation of tumors on the nose. With this diagnosis, the upper eyelid is not of the usual form, but wave-like. In this case, abnormal growth of eyelashes provokes inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Usually observed in rabbits up to 14 days old. The treatment is a plastic surgery of the century. The reasons for the appearance of such anomalies have not been established. There are suggestions that this is justified by genetic predisposition. Another version is that some other unexplored species of bacteria or viruses cause this mutation.
Cataract
The causes of the disease may include diabetes mellitus, especially in the elderly, bacteria, as well as transferred encephalitis. Symptoms include clouding of the eye lens. It is treated depending on the causes.
Glaucoma
The disease on the background of increased intraocular pressure.The only thing that indicates this is the bulge of the eye itself. The condition is very painful, visual acuity is impaired, it is more common in old rabbits, but in some cases it may be congenital. Most often, the affected organ has to be removed, in more rare cases, supportive therapy is prescribed.
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Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea. With this ailment, the cornea becomes cloudy, the patient has photophobia and purulent discharge, lacrimation. The treatment is carried out with the help of antibacterial ointments or cleansing antiseptic solutions. An anesthetic is also used.
Uveitis
Causes of the disease can be in head injuries, infections of the viral or bacterial type. The illness may be chronic. Symptoms include an increase in pupil size due to photophobia, swelling of the iris and tearing.
In the chronic form, the adhesions of the iris and lens, inflammation of the retina may occur. It is treated with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as atropine-based products to eliminate adhesive processes.
How to cure exophthalmos?
Separate ophthalmologic diseases of rabbits can be associated with teeth. Why is this happening? So, dental inflammation on the background of improperly molded teeth in these animals leads to an exophthalmos - a disease in which the eyeballs literally go out of orbit. The only possible way to alleviate the condition of the animal in this case consists of removing the affected organ of vision, as well as the tooth, contributed to the development of the problem.
The disease is dacryocystitis
The inflammatory process due to obstruction of the lacrimal canal is called dacryocystitis. Often found in small rabbits. In newborn animals, the problem usually passes by itself, with good care.
In the obstructed lacrimal canal, pathogenic bacteria begin active vital functions, as a result of which pus is often released from under the eyelid. As a treatment, drops with antiseptic effect are used to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Why does a corneal ulcer occur?
Most often, corneal ulcers are caused by mechanical damage. For example, during a fight with other animals, but there are other reasons that only a qualified veterinarian can accurately establish. For example, ulcers may be due to chronic blepharoconjunctivitis.
In a corneal ulcer, damage to the corneal epithelium is visible to the naked eye. The process is accompanied by swelling of the eyelids, tearing. In the absence of adequate therapy, organ loss can literally come within a few days.
Epiphora treatment
Epiphora is similar in symptomatology with dacryocystitis. With this ailment, there is obstruction of the lacrimal canal. Often, the inflammatory process is caused by excessive growth of the roots of the teeth, namely the incisors, resulting in blockage of the nasolacrimal passages. Also, some congenital defects can cause the disease, for example, eyelid volvulus, abnormal growth of cilia.
Medical appointments are made by a veterinarian, based on the cause of the disease.In the event that the problem is caused by improperly growing teeth, the teeth should be removed. In other cases, the lacrimal duct is washed, antibacterial therapy is prescribed.
Prevention of rabbit eye disease at home
How to cure eye disease in a rabbit at home? To prevent ophthalmological problems in animals, it is recommended to approach the maintenance of rabbits with full responsibility. A number of basic rules that must be followed by the breeder of these cute and affectionate animals:
- Placement of cells with eared quadrupeds in the area without drafts.
- A full diet rich in vitamins and minerals, in particular, food enriched with vitamin A.
- Timely vaccination.
Conclusion
Now you know what to do if a rabbit has puffy or festering eyes and bumps appear on the ears. The health of rabbits depends largely on how much master invests efforts, coupled with love and care for their pet.
Good care, timely preventive measures and sincere affection for a four-legged eared friend are the key to a long and healthy life of fluffy.The main thing to remember is that we are responsible for those who have tamed