Why is my rabbit's third eyelid visible? Is it a health concern?

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!

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.

Hi there, There is a slight glare in the photo so it's hard to tell what the middle part of the eye looks like, but it is normal for schlera to be visible. I would recommend comparing to the other eye to tell if it's bulging. If you bunny begins to have any discharge from that eye, she should be seen by a veterinarian. I hope that helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This sign could be sometimes related to a systemic illness or gastrointestinal disease. More rarely eyes problems are present. I would recommend to monitor him at this stage and if there are no other signs I would agree with what your vet suggested.

Thanks for reaching out about Shila. There is suspect that trauma or infection is affecting the eye. Try gently wiping with a warm wetted washcloth to determine if any thick white discharge is noted. This is an infection. Since rabbit eyes are large and situated laterally on the head, it is not uncommon that the eyes become scratched or worse while sticking their heads into bushes, etc. Any chance of a predator (cat, other) encounter? A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. They should be able to examine the eye and present a treatment plan. Good luck.

What a cute bunny! From the photo the area on the skin looks as though it has healed- if there is a defect in the skin itself then an exam by the vet is recommended as he may need antibiotics. I cannot see any redness to his eyes in this photo, so I am not sure if you mean that his eye color is red or if he has red eye lids or the white of his eyes look red. If he is rubbing at his eyes/blinking alot, has excess tears or a green or yellow discharge from the eyes these would be cause for a vet exam as well. The red color to the urine can sometimes be a result of diet http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=2839. If he is not acting lethargic and is eating/drinking I would monitor the urine for a few days- if he becomes lethargic/is straining to pee/stops eating or drinking or the urine continues to look red then an exam is recommended.

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.