Bunny cataracts

[Sweet Sixy]

I noticed this evening that my rabbits right eye is completly clouded over. It is a large rount spot on his eye. I am assuming it is a cataract. Is there anything that can be done for him? My poor little Eeyore is getting so old...

[Sweet Sixy]

Anyone have any suggestions? Please?

[Karen]

How old is he? I would ask a rabbit-specialist vet. Did this happen suddenly? Does he seem to be impaired in any way?

[Sweet Sixy]

He is 6 years and about 4 months. It did happen suddenly. I didn't notice the white spot on Thursday and by Saturday it was there It doesn't really seem to be bothering him, he gets around just as he did before. He seems to be a little more jumpy is all.

[Karen]

Do you have a good rabbit vet?

[Sweet Sixy]

He is ok, but rabbits are not his specialty. They aren't very popular in this area. I am just concerned that it could lead to other problems since I don't know much about it.

[Aspen and Misty]

He could have cut his eye, I would get it checked out.

Ashley

[Daisylover]

According to my rabbit vet, cataracts in bunnies are not treatable. One of my bunnies eventually did go blind from them but you never would have known it. He scooted around and was very active anyways.....he had memorized the layout of his room so I couldn't rearrange the furniture! When he died it was age-related and had nothing to do with being blind...

My other thought is that you should probably get your bunny a companion if he doesn't have one already.

Whatever you do though, do NOT take your rabbit who does not specialize in rabbits, that is just asking for real trouble.

[Sweet Sixy]

Thanks everyone for the advice. His eye does not seem to be affecting him in anyway, he is still his same old self. I have decided not to take him to the vet simply becuase I worry about his age and something happening, our vet is about 45 min away so its a long drive.
Daisylover, I so wish I could get him a companion, but unfortunatly he was not fixed so it wouldn't be the best idea unless we want a huge for or some little bun buns!
As long as he doesn't seem any different, I won't worry about him. Thanks again everyone!

[cookieluver7]

Check it out. It is better to be safe on your bunny's health. Also, you don't want it to turn into something else.

[Sweet Sixy]

Just an update on my bun. He now has cataracts in both his eyes and has subsequently gone blind from them. However this has not changed him much. He is a little more careful of where he walks and has become a little more protective or his things. Other than that he is still his same old self. The vet checked him out and said that he is perfectly healthy otherwise! Heck, he is almost 7 years old!

[manda_moo87]

Aw, sorry to hear about Eeyore's eyes. The same thing happened to Cinnabun in January and she lost her sight in her right eye and most of her left eye. She was under a year old, not sure what caused it. But its the same with her, her personality hasn't changed at all and she gets along just fine.

[Sweet Sixy]

It's good to hear that everyone elses bunnies got along just fine too! I'm glad it hasn't changed him at all. He's about the sweetest thing you've ever seen.

[Dano]

Hello Sweet Sissy and anyone else on board! I am a newbie, but I have a q. about my Netherland Dwarf bunny, Thumper. I could use some input on how you dealt with it and what happened with your rabbit. A day or so ago, a cloudy film appeared on Thumper's left eye...in fact, it seemed to appear in a brief, 4-hour period. He is only 1-year old buck, and I am told it is hereditary yet rare in rabbits. There is treatment, but it is VERY expensive. I guess I'd like to know what to do about it...any thoughts? would like to hear from you...

[Daisylover]

Basically I think everything any of us bunny owners know is already written in the messages above. I would recommend that you take him to a rabbit specialist vet right away but chances are there's not much that can be done. Unlike human cataracts, they do not do eye surgery on rabbits, mostly because rabbits are so sensitive to the anesthesia.

You will see from our notes that being blind did not really effect any of our rabbits....they could still get around, were still affectionate and loving. WE had to be careful when walking around our blind kids so not to accidently scare them and end up tripping on them but really, most bunnies handle blindness with no problems at all. Whatever you do, do not take your rabbit to a cat/dog vet, make sure the vet has had the medical training to care of rabbits.....most vets don't bother to take the classes on exotics.