Symptoms of Rabbit Conjunctivitis: What to Look Out For

Section 1: Causes of Rabbit Conjunctivitis

Rabbits are particularly susceptible to conjunctivitis, an eye disease that can arise from unsanitary living conditions. If the rabbit's habitat is not regularly cleaned and is left in a state of filth, it becomes a breeding ground for conjunctivitis. Here are some common triggers:

1. Dust and Particles: A rabbit's eyes can become irritated and inflamed if the enclosure is dusty, with particles floating in the air and settling in their eyes. Exposure to ammonia and other harmful gases, or mechanical injuries to the eyes, can also lead to conjunctivitis.

2. Bacterial Infections: Bacteria can cause conjunctivitis in rabbits. Additionally, the condition can be a secondary effect of systemic diseases, such as rabbit infectious rhinitis or Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Section 2: Symptoms of Rabbit Conjunctivitis

When rabbits suffer from conjunctivitis, they typically exhibit several symptoms, including photophobia (sensitivity to light), excessive tearing, redness of the conjunctiva, eyelid pain and swelling, and a large amount of serous discharge from the eyes. If left untreated, this discharge can become mucopurulent and then purulent, leading to粘连 of the eyelids, which can prevent the rabbit from opening its eyes. In cases of purulent conjunctivitis, the symptoms can be more severe, with the eyelids often accumulating pus, causing opacity and ulcers in the cornea, potentially leading to blindness.

Section 3: Prevention and Treatment of Rabbit Conjunctivitis

Treatment Methods:

1. Cleaning the Eyes: Use a 2%3% boric acid solution or 0.1% saline to rinse the rabbit's conjunctiva, removing all eye secretions.

2. Eye Inflammation Treatment: After cleaning the eyes, apply penicillin ointment inside the rabbit's eyes, twice to three times a day. Alternatively, you can drop 0.25% zinc sulfate eye drops into the eyes, two to three drops per session, four to five times a day, for three to four days to improve the condition significantly.

3. Pain Relief: Administer 1% procaine hydrochloride solution to the eyes, two to three times a day, for three to five days.

Preventive Measures:

1. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the cage clean and free from dust and debris to prevent particles from entering the rabbit's eyes.

2. Remove Obstructions: Regularly check and remove any sharp objects like burrs or nails from the cage, and ensure the rabbit receives adequate vitamin supplementation.

That concludes the introduction to rabbit conjunctivitis by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope this information is helpful to you.