Reasons for a Rabbit's Constant Tears Explained

One: Common Causes of Excessive Eye Tears in Rabbits

1. Foreign Body Irritation in the Eyes

Rabbits often suffer from eye irritation caused by foreign objects, predominantly due to their long fur. This is more common in longhaired rabbits, as their excessive hair can frequently poke at their eyes or, worse, fall into their eyes, causing discomfort. If you notice your rabbit has an abundance of eye boogers, it's likely a result of hairrelated issues, which are more prevalent in young or older rabbits. The corner of a rabbit's eye, with its ideal temperature and humidity, is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If left untreated, eye irritation can lead to conjunctivitis.

2. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis typically refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacteria other than Pasteurella multocida. This condition often occurs secondary to rabbit rhinitis and can be transmitted through drinking water or face washing. If you observe your rabbit continuously shedding tears for several days, it's crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Veterinarians will examine your rabbit's cornea and conjunctiva for signs of conjunctivitis. If diagnosed, they will prescribe eye drops, such as Tobramycin, to treat the condition. Eye issues in rabbits should not be ignored, as they can lead to severe complications. Pet owners should not administer medication to their rabbits without a proper diagnosis.

3. Skin Diseases

Skin conditions, such as mites or fungal infections, on a rabbit's head can cause them to constantly scratch with their paws. If this scratching affects their eyes, it can lead to conjunctivitis. However, treating only the conjunctivitis is not sufficient; the underlying skin disease must be addressed to cure the rabbit's problem effectively.

4. Dental Issues

Reversed growth of rabbit teeth can also cause excessive tearing, as the misalignment and overgrowth of roots can irritate the rabbit's tear ducts, leading to tears and potentially bulging eyes. This issue often arises from improper feeding, which does not allow the rabbit's teeth to be properly worn down. Treatment for such dental problems can be challenging. It is essential to have a veterinarian diagnose whether the issue is indeed due to overgrown roots blocking the tear ducts. While eye irritation from dental problems is relatively rare, tears in rabbits are often a sign of a more serious condition. Early examination and treatment are vital to prevent severe infections.

5. Inverted Eyelashes

Rabbits can also have eyelashes that grow inward due to genetics or external factors, which can irritate their eyes. Simply trimming the eyelashes can resolve this issue.

6. Environmental Factors

Rabbits living in poorly ventilated, polluted indoor environments, exposed to ammonia from their own urine, or to dust on the floor, or to dust particles in their forage, may experience eye tearing.

These are the common reasons for excessive eye tears in rabbits, as summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor. Pet owners should refer to these causes and take precautions to prevent such situations from occurring, preventing problems before they arise!