Rabbit eye hurt - what ointment?

[bryttani4357]

I just saw my 3 year holland lop buck last night with a squinty eye and a wet cheek. I opened it and it looked a little cloudy and there was a small string of flesh sitting on the eye. It looked like it was a possible rip of one of the 3 eyelids? I assume it was in a wrestle match with one of our cats. He's gotten along well with the cats for years, they're all friends. He was acting quite normal and more affectionate and bouncy actually. His eye was shut most of the time but he'd open it all the way occasionally when bouncing around. This morning it seems his eye flushed the string out but it's still connected somewhere and hanging out the inner corner of his eye. His eye is still milky looking and is shut 90% of the time. There is another clear puddle on his cheek. But he flinches now every time I tried to touch that eye, not like last night. I don't think he's blinded because he squints when I shine a light but I don't know.

Please, I don't have much money for a veterinarian and I've never been before and don't have many options for one. What kind of over-the-counter ointments should I buy or is there a way to get a prescription without having to pay a vet fee? Will his eyelid heal?

Thank you <3

 

[majorv]

If it was caused by a cat, that's not good because their claws carry bacteria. It sounds like it's progressing towards an infection. Can you get some sterile eye wash and flush his eye? He would need to be seen by a vet to get the right antibiotic but in a pinch, sometimes we will use terramycin ointment if we see a possible infection starting. What concerns me though is that it sounds like an injury possibly caused by a cat.

 

[JBun]

I would get your rabbit to a vet immediately. Like majorv mentioned, cat scratches can transfer dangerous bacteria, and in many cases this bacteria can cause a fatal infection very quickly. Just the fact that your rabbits eye is cloudy means the infection may be quite severe and needs the appropriate treatment with antibiotics. Even with the right medication, it's possible your rabbit could lose the eye if the infection has spread too far. Vet attention by a rabbit savvy vet, is really necessary at this point.

http://rabbit.org/vet-listings/
http://www.rabbitsonline.net/forumdisplay.php?f=21

 

[squidpop]

I agree with what the others are saying- he probably needs stronger medication and you won't be able to get it unless you go to the vet. Terramycin ointment can be bought on ebay, over the counter but might not be strong enough.