Cellular debris can sometimes build up and obstruct the canal, necessitating a flush by your veterinarian. Swelling of the mucous membranes lining the ducts (or elsewhere around the eye) can be caused by bacterial or fungal infection, or by allergic reaction.Ĭellular debris: Like any epithelium, the cellular lining of the nasolacrimal ducts is constantly being sloughed and replaced. The medical term for this infection is dacryocystitis. If discharge from the eye is purulent, opaque white, or has the texture of stringy mucus, then the source might be an infection in the upper end of the nasolacrimal canal, known as the lacrimal sac. Inflammation or Infection of the lacrimal sac: Normal rabbit tears are translucent, and slightly milky in appearance. Internal Duct Disease: Sometimes the problem is inside the canal itself. Hence, conditions such as upper respiratory infection, conjunctivitis, or infection in the tear duct itself can trigger a case of weepy eyes. Inflammation from other conditions: Swelling of mucous membranes in the sinuses can sometimes extend to the tear duct lining. Injuries to the face or eye, and even trauma from medical procedures, such as facial surgery or tear duct cannulation, can sometimes block the ducts. In the maxilla, intruding roots can pinch off the tear ducts.Ībnormal masses: Neoplasias (cancers) in the sinus, eye, or bone around the tear duct can exert enough pressure to narrow the tear ducts. In a thinning mandible (jaw) or maxilla (skull bone housing the upper dental arcade), normal chewing pressure can gradually drive molar roots deeper into the bone. As bone density decreases with age, dental problems affecting the tear duct can develop. Maxillary Osteoporosis: The rabbit skeleton are light to begin with. If this is the case, then the runny eye will likely be a lifelong affliction. Scarring can block a tear duct as effectively as the original abscess. While removal of a bad tooth may be important in treating infection, it may not resolve the associated runny eyes. Abnormalities around these molar roots can press on the tear duct and cause narrowing or complete obstruction.ĭental Infection: Pressure from abscess/inflammation of the upper molar roots can cause partial or complete obstruction. The bases of some molars are located just under the eye and tear duct. The Dental Connection: Rabbits have open-rooted molars and incisors that grow throughout the bunny’s life. Many rabbits with no history of runny eyes in their youth can later exhibit this condition for a variety of reasons. If their abnormal anatomy is subjected to additional challenges (see below), then chronic epiphora can result. Some rabbits, particularly those with short faces (e.g., lop and dwarf), are born with abnormally narrow or even kinked tear ducts, and can be prone to chronic tearing. In rabbits, one of the most common reasons for epiphora is obstruction of one or both nasolacrimal canals.
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Your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist if the condition requires the expertise of an eye specialist.Ĭonditions That Cause Obstruction Of Normal Tear Drainage Causes of the problem are varied, so a correct diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
#Rabbit gooppy eye and nose skin#
While not life-threatening, it can be troublesome and frustrating: constantly wet fur and skin promotes bacterial growth, resulting in inflammation, fur loss, and discomfort. The duct goes through the skull and empties tears into the nasal cavity.Ībnormal overflow of tears is known as epiphora. The opening of the canal, the punctum, is located in the corner of the eye closest to the nose (medial canthus).
![rabbit gooppy eye and nose rabbit gooppy eye and nose](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/204247d3-4bda-467a-b85b-8dbd85d03b36_1.79d2c6ed76a01fa661c3e3b289463e43.jpeg)
Normally, protective tears continuously bathe the eye, and are drained away via the nasolacrimal canal (“tear duct”), a tiny, mucous-membrane-lined tube. But once we stopped, it came right back.” The vet gave us antibiotics, and it cleared up for a while.
![rabbit gooppy eye and nose rabbit gooppy eye and nose](https://i.etsystatic.com/6420513/r/il/7359a5/944479624/il_642xN.944479624_otdz.jpg)
We hear the complaint often: “My rabbit constantly has runny eyes.