Consistent Runny Eyes

[belleandferdinand]

Belle has always had mild snuffles and has been on a daily antiobiotic for the last few years following advice from my fantastic California vet. She’s now 8 years old (approx) and has had runny eyes for the last 6 mths. The vet here in Texas did a nasal/eye duct flush and it seems to have made it worse in the last month, to the point that her fur has molted from by her eyes and the skin is raw red. Initially my vet thought it might be ringworm (she had a bald patch on her back too) but the test came back negative. She’s now starting antiobiotic eye drops, but the vet has suggested another eye/nasal flush that I’m reluctant to do as that seems to have made it worse to begin with. Outside of the eye issue, she’s not very sneezy (less so than normal), is eating/pooping well, weight is stable and she’s active. Any thoughts on a similar situation welcome – thank you!

ps. she has consistently had the same hay from Busy Bunny and litter since I adopted her. The only change is being in Texas for two years.. maybe she has the infamous Cedar Fever!

[Lintini]

My advice would be to get a second opinion if you can since you are reluctant to get another flush done. Get well vibes for Belle!

[Sarita]

Did the vet check her teeth as well? Dental problems might cause this as well and rabbits at this age usually start to get dental problems.

[RabbitPam]

I think a second opinion would be fine, since at her age having a second vet you like available could come in handy down the road in case of emergency.
Flushing the duct is an option, but my bunny had a blocked eye duct when he was young that was chronic, and she just gave me a tube of goop that I put in one drop at the corner that melted into his eye which cleared it up in 2 days max. No big procedure, it worked, so I just used it on occasion from then on. Might ask about it. (Sorry I don’t have the tube with the name for you. It was from Spockie.)

[peppypoo]

Hmm, looks like we live in the same city! If you need secondary vet referrals as per everybody’s suggestions, feel free to message me 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I second, the second opinion. I would think after years, it would clear up…And not get worse. Or at least you would have an answer besides ‘watery eyes’ -well we would hope. They are rabbits and even specialists often have a ‘we’ll try this and this’ answer I’d get teeth checked and blood checked and poop checked etc. i’d look for a definitive answer (diagnosis) and prognosis before deciding what treatment to use. Keep us posted!

[KatnipCrzy]

Runny eyes can cause hair loss around the eyes as the constant moisture makes the skin unhealthy, raw and painful (and it sounds like that is what you are describing). I would consider a second opinion.

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