My rabbit's eye looks bulging and wide. Is visible sclera normal?

I am so sorry to hear that Blanco isn't feeling well! With what you are describing, I would be concerned about a few things with Blanco's eye. When the third eyelid is protruding and if the eye seems to be pushing out of the skull more than on the other side, this can mean that either the eye itself is big (and therefore sticking out more from the skull) or that there is something pushing the eye out (such as a mass behind the eye). Rabbits can get diseases within the eye that make them bigger than normal. They also can get abscesses (mostly related to their teeth), cancers, and other diseases that can grow behind the eye. There is also a cancer in their chest that they can develop, called thymoma, that also can result in the eyes being pushed further out than normal, but that usually affects both eyes, and not just one. I would recommend getting Blanco seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The reason for this is that I don't want his eye to dry out, as sometimes it can be hard for them to blink when their eye is protruding more than normal. You can purchase an over-the-counter tear gel to help with this until you can get to the vet. A couple of brands that I recommend are Optixcare and GenTeal. Please ensure that it is the gel only, with no additives for allergy relief or anything else as these can be irritating to rabbits' eyes. When at the veterinarian, they will evaluate the eye to ensure that it hasn't gotten too dry. They will assess it to see if there are excessively high pressures, and check to see if it is indeed too large. If they suspect that it may be something behind the eye, they may recommend diagnostics, such as imaging to look at the area and blood work to evaluate for systemic health and infections. I hope this gives you a place to start, and I hope Blanco feels better soon!

Hi there! It's hard to tell from this photo but it looks like this is a pretty normal-looking eye--do you have a picture of the infected eye? Has a veterinarian seen your bun to figure out what medication is appropriate to put in the eye you think is infected?

Thanks for reaching out about Fluffy and including a photo. Ocular secretions can become thicker and not drain through the lacrimal duct, when certain conditions arise. This could be an infection, dental disease (affecting drainage), stress and other problems. Continue to wipe the eye area with a moistened clear wash cloth. If worsens, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Remember, having your rabbit spayed is very important as rabbits have a high incidence of uterine neoplasia. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Gouldo and including photos. This could be an infectious problem, trauma, or even other. A veterinary visit is recommended as it appears painful. Remember that most veterinary clinics close early on Saturday, and this should not wait until Monday. A wet warm compress can help reduce some swelling. Monitor appetite and water consumption. Good luck.

That's her "third eyelid". It protects and lubricates the eye. In times of stress or illness, it may become more pronounced. Her eyes do not appear red, cloudy nor is there discharge. If she is behaving normally, she is likely fine. Monitor for the above signs as well as lethargy, loss of appetite or rubbing at her face. See your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits if indicated.

Hi, and thanks for your question. That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is my pleasure to answer your question as well as possible. I will do my best to give you the clearest and most current information I can. If you need to follow up with further questions or need a more in-depth discussion, please do not hesitate to request a consultation and we can help you further. Cute bunny, and congratulations on your new family member. Yes, it is pretty common for bunnies to get eye infections but there are a number of different reasons for them. The most common of those include a blocked tear duct that would normal drain extra tears from the eye into the nose, an abrasion or scratch, or an E. Cuniculi infection. A blocked tear duct can be caused by something as simple as a dusty brand of hay to something as complex as a chronic tooth issue. In a bunny as young as yours the chronic condition is less likely. Unfortunately, the only good way to tell if there is a blockage is for a vet to stain the eye and see if the colored stain drains into the nose as it should. If it is blocked, the vet can flush it out. They could also get a very superficial look at the teeth to see if they appear normal. The vet would be likely to give you some medication to help the irritated skin in front of the eye heal faster as well, for now please keep that area as clean and dry as possible.