Rabbit Conjunctivitis

1 Rabbit Conjunctivitis

I. Causes of Rabbit Conjunctivitis

Rabbit conjunctivitis, also called red-eye disease, is an acute contagious disease. It shows clear inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea with sticky discharge around the eye.

It’s mainly from massive pasteurella growth. The bacteria normally live in the upper respiratory tract and tonsils of healthy rabbits without causing disease. Only under stress—poor husbandry, dirty conditions, sudden temperature drops, long transport—does resistance drop and pasteurella multiply, causing endogenous infection. It spreads via respiratory, digestive, and mucosal routes; discharge, feces, contaminated feed, and supplies are vectors. It occurs year-round, any breed or age, with weanlings at highest risk.

II. Incubation Period of Conjunctivitis

Symptoms have a 2–7 day incubation. At onset the rabbit won’t open its eyes; then conjunctiva, eyelids, and nictitating membrane swell with tearing, pain, and discharge; sometimes white or gray spots on the cornea. Severe cases show corneal thickening and ulcers, leaving scars and films. Usually no systemic signs, but if the eye suppurates, fever, poor appetite, and lethargy may appear. Untreated, blindness can result.

II. Prevention and Treatment of Conjunctivitis

Vaccinate rabbits against pasteurella regularly. Treat promptly to avoid worsening—use erythromycin or rifampicin eye drops (or chloramphenicol) for about 3 days with good effect, but keep using until fully healed to avoid relapse.

A reminder: untreated conjunctivitis can blind a rabbit, so treat eye problems promptly. As it’s contagious, isolate the sick rabbit first to protect others. Treat consistently—keep daily care and medication until full recovery; don’t give up midway.