Eye Drops

[pinkiemarie]

Does anyone have experience using eye drops on a rabbit? I have a Polish and one of the breed characteristics is that they have fairly large eyes for their body size. He has had several random eye issues in one eye only, and after having no luck finding a corneal scratch or anything during the last issue, the vet suggested that I start using eye drops because he may either be not closing his eyes fully (which makes sense because they’re seriously huge) or maybe a tear duct issue or something. She said to use them as often as he will let me, and he’s usually pretty good about it, but I’m kind of struggling to determine whether I’m doing it too much, too little, or just right. I have both gel and regular eye drops and neither one seems to bother him at all. I do it first thing when he gets up in the morning, last thing before bed, and several times in between for a total of about 5 times per day. I know it’s hard to give this kind of advice but we’re just starting out so if anyone has had to do this long term it might be helpful to hear how it worked out for you. Thank you!

[Bam]

I assume these are tear replacement drops? I’ve only given tear replacement drops to a dog, but I’ve given fucithalmic (antibiotic) drops to one of my rabbits. That was twice a day. Tear replacement drops can, as your vet says, be given more often, since its the fluid itself that does the job, not any drug that’s in the drops. If he doesnt mind getting the drops 3-5 times per day that’s probably a good frequency. I gave my dog drops 3 times/day, but its obviously a million times easier to medicate a dog than a bun.

Of course reward each time so he keeps associating the drops with yumminess -but I’m sure you already do that 🙂

 

[pinkiemarie]

Yes, I should have specified. He is using artificial tears. He used antibiotic drops for a few days after his vet visit then switched to artificial tears.

That helps to know how much you did with the dog. I wish he could just tell me if he needed more or not. He’s actually very good about getting the drops though and I’m working on training him for a verbal command for eye drop time. I’ve found that rabbits are much more trainable than I ever expected them to be!

[Bam]

Oh that’s lovely that he’s good about the drops! And it’d be great if you could train him to come for drop-time! My bunny Vilde got syringed meds + a portion of CC every evening for a long time, he came hopping when he heard me getting out the gear in the kitchen 🥰 Still absolutely refused to eat CC from a plate, but he seemed to like it from a syringe. Weird and wonderful little ones!

[LBJ10]

I used artificial tear eye drops. The vet said as needed, so it was a couple times per day (which was about all he would tolerate).

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