Blocked tear duct procedure, and anesthesia and bunnies

[BooBooBunny]

My bunnys right eye has been consistantly watery or damp for the past few months, so about a month ago i took him to the vet.  The Dr. put a stain in both his eyes and watched to see if it ran out his nostrils, which it did on the left side but not on the right, leading her to believe it’s a blocked tear duct.  She also examined his teeth as best she could and said some had some unusually sharp points, but they’d need to knock him out to do a complete oral exam.  So since the watery eye still hasn’t cleared up, I’m thinking I should just go ahead with the procedure the Dr. recomended to unblock the tear duct, but it requires him to go under anesthesia (at which time they’d be able to do a thorough oral exam too) and I guess I’m just a little nervous about it.  He is neutered, so he did ok with the anesthetic that time, but I was just wondering if there is any risk with bunnies and anesthesia?  Also if anyone has had any experience with blocked tear ducts?

Also, my bunny gets VERY nervous with car rides and vet visits.  He shakes like a leaf and breathes super hard and his eyes look like they’re about to pop out of his head, I feel terrible for putting him through it.  Sometimes I’m afraid hes going to have a heart attack before we get back home!  So I was curious, is there such a thing as a mild sedative for rabbits, like something I could give him before I took him to the vet for the procedure so I wouldn’t feel so horribly guilty about leaving him there in that state?

Any advice or stories anyone has would be greatly appreciated!  I just want to make sure I’m completly informed and prepared before I put him (and myself ) through this.  Thanks!

[Sarita]

There is always a risk with anesthesia but they usually don’t put them fully under for these type of procedures like they would for a spay or neuter. He may use Sevofluorane gas which has a quick recovery for this procedure. Talk with your vet about your concerns too and ask him what he uses and what the down time and recovery time are.

I think it would be worth it to do it especially if they are going to check his teeth as well.

I had a rabbit who had regular molar trims and he always had runny eyes too which we never were able to cure – the vet said it was an elognated (sp?) incisor root.

You might consider purchasing some Rescue Remedy to help calm him down in the car.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I wouldn’t worry. Like Sarita said there is always a risk, but it’s not a huge deal for tear duct flushing

[BinkyBunny]

My Rucy has “spurs” – the sharp points on the back of her teeth, that she has to get taken off every once in awhile. She used to have to “go under” about three times year. (though lately, her spurs have not returned) She also has a permanent blocked tear duct from previous surgeries. She has a very rabbit savvy vet that I trust and so far Rucy has not had any problems when she has to go under.

Because her tear duct problem is permanent, I just keep an eye on it. Most of the time Jack, her bonded mate, keeps her eyes clean and dry. But if he misses a day or two, i take a warm cloth to get off the dry stuff, and then use a cool cloth to relieve any irritation (salty tears can sting skin and cause irritation.) Rucy loves when I put the cool cloth on her eye, she relaxes, presses herself more up against it and purrs.

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