Drippy eye

[Katydidz]

My poor bun!  I got him in February from another couple that didn’t want him anymore and I was more than happy to give him a home after losing my Trixie in November.  Well, after the initial adjustment period I’ve become familiar with some of his behaviors and started to just be able to observe him more.  Well, I started to notice one eye seems to be running pretty constatnly. At first I thought this was just a symtom of his long hair and the shedding because maybe he had a hair in there or something but I’ve decided I’m most definitely wrong about that.  Binny’s teeth are not in good shape so I think they are maloccluded and it is affecting his tear duct on that eye.  He has an underbite rather than an overbite and one of his bottom teeth sort of crosses in front of the other one a little bit.  He eats fine and seems to chew normally I don’t think he’s in any pain and he’s quite active and playful so  I don’t think this is affecting him too much but I need to know what to watch for in case things start getting worse.  I can’t afford to take him to the vet and there aren’t any vets around here that I really trust anyway, I think as long as his behavior doesn’t change I’ll just watch his teeth closely and make sure he keeps eating regularly until I can get him to a vet.  I just interviewed for a new job and if I get it I will have pet insurance, YAY! Then I will be able to take him down to a vet about an hour away from here who treats rabbits and get him all squared away. What do you all think?

[Sarita]

You are probably correct about it being related to his dental problems. It’s also possibly a clogged tear duct which could be due to his dental problems as well or that can sometimes be because of infection.

Probably just want to watch to make sure he’s not uncomfortable or if there is a change in his eating habits – it can sometimes be hard to tell exactly when the teeth are causing them problems because all rabbits behave differently.

Hopefully you will be able to get him soon to a vet to look at his teeth.

Good luck on the job.

[KatnipCrzy]

I assume you are talking about incisors- the front teeth?  Care of those are quite different from the back teeth- molars.  If his teeth are overgrowing- maloccluded it can prevent him from eating properly.  The simplest treatment is to have the teeth trimmed.  This is typically a quick easy procedure that a rabbit exerienced vet can do- and can even show you how to do (although I am not sure you want to be the bad guy).  It does not hurt- and it does not require sedation- just the proper tool and knowledge of how-to.  The front teeth are easily accessable and that is why it is so different than dealing with molars.

In severe cases the incisors and peg teeth can be extracted- but I would make sure a rabbit saavy vet recommended the procedure before I would consider it.

One of my bunnies has slightly crooked lower teeth- but they are not a problem because they are still worn properly as the are pushed together as opposed to growing off the the back, side or front.

If the front teeth are overgrowing- pet insurance will most likely not cover any portion of treatment or surgery as it is considered a genetic condition.  I am not sure what type of rabbit Binny is- but Netherland dwarfs are extremely prone to incisor malocclusion.  The policies details can vary from state to state depending on state laws- but I still find it unlikely that VPI will cover what is considered to be a genetic condition and if you wait to get insurance and bring him in for his first visit and he presents with that problem- it will also be pre-existing condition.  VPI does cover dental issues- as many of our members here have had success with dental claims and treatment.

It could also not be the teeth and could be the eye itself or the tear duct.

 

[jerseygirl]

Likely it is teeth causing this but read up on some eye care all the same. Some eye baths or wiping it may clear a blockage – worth a try. From what I understand, if there’s a problem with the incisors, it indicates there’s likely to be issues with the molars as these may not occlude correctly. Molar spurs or root impinging on tear ducts most likely. Difficulties you might see if it’s dental related are abcess growth, infection into eye, pain while eating. So it pays not to leave things too long. Maybe enquire about cost of tooth trim as this may be a simple starting point that’d cost less now.

[Katydidz]

Thanks everyone. The other good thing about the new job is that I’ll actually be able to have some liquid income so even if the Pet Insurance doesn’t cover his teeth thing I’ll be able to afford taking him in. He is happy and healthy other than his underbite and that drippy eye, which seems to be clearing up a little. I’m going to try an eye bath and see if that helps.

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