Difference Between General Rabbit Conjunctivitis and Pa

Section 1: General Conjunctivitis in Rabbits

What is General Conjunctivitis?

General conjunctivitis in rabbits refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, caused by bacteria other than Pasteurella multocida.

Symptoms:

Rabbits with general conjunctivitis typically do not exhibit a runny nose, although they may sneeze occasionally when eating or drinking. Affected rabbits may produce eye boogers or white puslike discharge, experience excessive tearing, and have wet fur around the eyes, leading to noticeable tear stains. The eyelids may swell, with the eyelids and edges of the eyes appearing red and puffy. The rabbit may shy away from light, struggle to open its eyes, and appear to squint.

Treatment:

1. Eye Drops: Administer Tobramycin eye drops, which can be purchased at a pet pharmacy. Apply the drops to the affected eye six times a day.

2. Eye Cleaning: If the rabbit has excessive tearing, use saline solution (a solution of sodium chloride) to clean the eyes. This should be done once daily.

How to Clean the Eyes:

To clean your rabbit's eyes, first, gently pull back the upper eyelid. Then, use the saline solution to thoroughly rinse the tissue inside the eyelid. After cleaning, release the eyelid. Next, pinch the lower eyelid and pull it outward to rinse the area between the eye and the lower eyelid. This process often helps to remove a significant amount of pus until the water runs clear. After cleaning, dry the area around the eyes with a tissue and comb the fur to keep it smooth.

Why Clean the Eyes?

When rabbits have severe eye conditions, they produce a lot of discharge. If this discharge is not promptly removed, it can lead to nasal duct blockage or inflammation, making treatment more challenging. Therefore, cleaning the rabbit's eyes when there is excessive discharge is crucial.

Section 2: Pasteurella Multocida Conjunctivitis in Rabbits

Causes:

Conjunctivitis in rabbits caused by Pasteurella multocida, often occurring after a case of rabbit rhinitis, is typically the result of the bacteria spreading from the nose to the eyes.

Symptoms:

Affected rabbits may have a persistent runny nose, excessive tearing, and milky white discharge. The fur around the eyes may be damp, and there may be slight swelling around the eyelids without significant eyelid edema.

Treatment:

1. Injections: Administer cefotaxime sodium, a veterinaryspecific antibiotic, via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection for seven consecutive days.

2. Eye Drops: Use Tobramycin eye drops six times a day.

3. Eye Cleaning: Use a 5% povidoneiodine solution diluted at a ratio of 1:200 to clean the eyes. The cleaning method is the same as described for general conjunctivitis.

Important Reminder:

Most cases of Pasteurella multocida conjunctivitis are secondary to rabbit rhinitis. If the rhinitis is not effectively treated, the conjunctivitis may not respond well to treatment. Therefore, for the best outcomes, both conditions should be treated simultaneously.

Pet Doctor's Tip:

Treating rabbit rhinitis is essential for managing Pasteurella multocida conjunctivitis effectively.