Rabbit eye bulging, is this normal?

[user 4254]

Hi all,

I've been trying to do a bit of research concerning rabbits' eye bulging but haven't found much.

I'm currently fostering an adorable female lop. She was quite the shy and frightful bunny at the shelter. Now I noticed when I pick her up, or when she is in an uncomfortable position, the corner of her eyes bulge and I see this white-pinkish matter.
This also happens when she is trying to reach far back to clean her bum for example.

Within a few seconds of going back to a comfy position, her eyes are perfectly normal.
She does not have any eye discharge, tears or mucus anywhere else. Just this sudden bulging.

Here is a picture of what it looks like
http://i39.tinypic.com/25z2y4w.jpg

And her in a normal position
http://i44.tinypic.com/mry00n.jpg

I'm looking for feedback, if this is something common or anything to be alarmed about.

Thanks a lot.

 

[pamnock]

It's normal for the Nictitating membrane to occasionally stretch partially over the eye, however,the gland may be prolapsed if it's bulging out that much. I'd have the vet take a look at it. "Cherry eye" can sometimes cause chronic eye problems.



Pam

 

[Maureen Las]

pamnock wrote:

It's normal for the Nictitating membrane to occasionally stretch partially over the eye, however,the gland may be prolapsed if it's bulging out that much. I'd have the vet take a look at it. "Cherry eye" can sometimes cause chronic eye problems.



Pam

I agree needs a rabbit saavy vet that know rabbit eye problems well

 

[tonyshuman]

Yes, this sounds like a nicitating membrane infection. There are a few antibiotic eye drops that may help. Ask your vet for one of these. Here's our library article on eye issues: http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=14567&forum_id=10