Eye Discharge in Rabbits

Photo by Marcia Fernandes

As a rabbit owner, you may notice your bunny developing discharge or gunk around their eyes from time to time. While a little bit of crust can be normal, excessive or discolored discharge is often a sign that something is amiss with your rabbit's health. Here are some of the common types of eye discharge in rabbits and what they might indicate:

Clear/Watery Discharge

A small amount of clear, watery discharge can be caused by dirt, hay, or dust getting in your rabbit's eyes and causing mild irritation. As long as it doesn't persist for more than a day or two, this is usually nothing to worry about.

Brown/Yellow Crust

Brownish-yellow crustiness around the eyes is common for rabbits who get a bit of goop overnight from their third eyelids. Gently wiping it away with a damp cloth is fine for a minimal amount of this type of dry discharge.

Thick White/Yellow Pus

A thick, opaque white or yellow discharge that resembles pus is often a sign of an eye infection like conjunctivitis or an upper respiratory infection. Rabbits with this type of discharge may frequently blink, squint, or paw at their eyes. Veterinary treatment is usually required.

Reddish-Brown Discharge A sticky, brownish-red discharge from the eyes can indicate a scratch, injury, or tear duct issue in rabbits. Check for any injuries around the eye area and schedule a vet visit right away if the discharge persists.

Gray/Green Discharge

Thick, gray or greenish discharge points to a bacterial infection or abscess around the tear ducts. This requires prompt antibiotic treatment from a rabbit-savvy vet to prevent long-term damage to the eyes and tear ducts.

Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, extensive pet product research, and experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.

So in summary, minor clear or dry discharge can be normal, but anything thick, colored, sticky, or persistent likely indicates an underlying medical issue that warrants a trip to the bunny vet. Keeping a close eye on your rabbit's eye health is important for their overall well-being.

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