Rabbits with Red and Swollen Eye Circles: Possible Caus
Section 1: Causes of Red and Swollen Eye Circles in Rabbits
1. Diet Issues: If the owner frequently feeds the rabbit inexpensive, bulk rabbit food and rarely provides fresh fruits and vegetables, or the rabbit does not drink enough water, the rabbit may become dehydrated and develop red and swollen eye circles due to heat. In such cases, the owner should promptly adjust the rabbit's diet, provide it with clean drinking water, and primarily feed it hay for a while. As the rabbit's diet becomes more balanced, its eyes should gradually return to normal.
2. Environmental Factors: If the rabbit's living environment is damp and unclean, it can easily harbor bacteria, leading to eye infections and redness. Therefore, the owner should regularly clean the living space, sanitize the rabbit's belongings, and perform regular eye care for the rabbit.
For rabbits with red and swollen eye circles, the owner can first use pet wet wipes to clean the rabbit's eyes. Then, gently pull back the rabbit's eyelids and apply a small amount of rabbit eye drops, such as rabbit wood blue. Continue to apply eye drops as needed!
If the rabbit's eye swelling is severe, you can use a needleless syringe to flush the rabbit's eyes with saline solution. After cleaning the rabbit's eye area and removing any hair or discharge, dry the area with a paper towel. Then, apply ophthalmic ofloxacin eye drops into the rabbit's eyes, typically twice a day, two drops each time. Continue treatment for about a week, and the rabbit's symptoms should subside.
Section 2: Eye Care for Rabbits
Many pet owners overlook the importance of proper eye care for rabbits, which is a mistake.
Generally, rabbits produce some eye discharge, and it is essential for the owner to clean it regularly. However, some owners make the mistake of directly picking the discharge off the rabbit's eyes. This is a very wrong approach. The rabbit's skin around the eyes is delicate, and rough removal can cause skin damage. It's also not effective at cleaning the area. If discharge is left to linger, it can lead to bacterial growth, resulting in eye inflammation, tears, or even more severe issues. This method should never be used.
Therefore, it is crucial to use the correct method for rabbit eye care. First, use saline solution to clean the discharge and ensure the rabbit's eyes are free of any remaining分泌物. Only then should you proceed with the cleaning as previously described, never pulling off the discharge directly.
Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: Longhaired rabbits have longer fur that can lead to eye inflammation if it gets too long. It is necessary for the owner to regularly trim the longhaired rabbit's fur to prevent eye issues.