Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that can affect rabbits. This condition makes the eyelids become swollen, red, and thickened.

Blepharitis caused by myxoma virus infection ©Vladimir Jekl

There are several causes of blepharitis in rabbits. The primary causes include two serious infections: myxomatosis (a viral disease specific to rabbits) and rabbit syphilis (a bacterial infection). Secondary causes can develop from other eye problems, including eye infections, tear duct inflammation, foreign objects getting stuck around the eye area, injuries to the eyelid, or a condition where the eyelid rolls inward (called entropion).

If your rabbit has blepharitis, you'll notice changes around their eyes. The skin of the eyelids becomes thicker, red, puffy, and swollen. You might also notice excessive eye discharge, where your rabbit's eyes water more than usual. Your rabbit may also blink more often or hold their eyes closed (blepharospasm), this is a sign that their eyes are causing pain.

Your veterinarian will take several steps to diagnose blepharitis and determine its underlying cause. They will first ask about your rabbit's history and examine the visible signs. To confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific cause, they may need to take small samples from the affected area. These might include a skin scraping, a small tissue sample (biopsy), or samples for bacterial testing.

The treatment for blepharitis varies depending on what's causing it. Once your veterinarian identifies the specific cause, they can recommend appropriate treatment. For example, bacterial infections may require antibiotics, while viral infections like myxomatosis will need different management approaches. Some cases might need treatment for both the underlying cause and the eye inflammation itself. When diagnosing this condition, your veterinarian may also check the health of the eye. The inflammation of the eyelids can cause injury to the eyes.

The outlook for rabbits with blepharitis depends entirely on what's causing the condition. Some cases, particularly those caught early and caused by simple issues like foreign bodies, may resolve quickly with appropriate treatment. More serious causes, such as myxomatosis, may have a much more guarded prognosis and require more intensive care. Euthanasia may be advised in unvaccinated rabbits as myxomatosis is usually fatal.

If your rabbit’s eyes have a lot of discharge, you can wipe them with warm water and cotton wool. Soap or disinfectants should NEVER be applied to the eye.

You should contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any changes in your rabbit's eyes or eyelids. Early intervention is crucial for the best possible outcome. Any signs of swelling, redness, excessive tearing, or changes in your rabbit's behavior around their eyes warrant a veterinary examination. Remember that some causes of blepharitis can be serious, so prompt professional attention is important for your rabbit's health and comfort.

Rabbits become stressed easily. Management of stress and pain is just as important as managing their health condition. Stasis/ileus (when the digestive system slows down and can stop entirely) is a serious condition in rabbits, and should be treated as an emergency, so if your rabbit stops eating during their treatment, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.