Posts tagged “Tug Ropes”

Epiphora in Rabbits Epiphora is characterized by an abnormal flow of tears from the eyes, usually occurring as a result of poor eyelid function, blockage of the nasal and eye portion of the tear ducts (nasolacrimal), or eye infection or inflammation, which may all be precipitated by by dental disease or tooth abscess. As rabbits have only one tear duct — located very close to the tooth and gums — the duct can be easily blocked due to oral disease (longtooth impaction is also very common in rabbits). Epiphora may occur also due to longstanding respiratory disorders that block the nasal passages. Congenital tooth malocclusion, and congenital eyelid deformities are usually seen in young rabbits. Middle-aged rabbits, meanwhile, usually suffer from cheek tooth elongation and subsequent epiphora. And dwarf and lop breeds often show congenital tooth malocclusion, exposing them to blocked tear ducts. Dwarf and Himalayan breeds also often suffer from glaucoma; more rarely, glaucoma affects the Rex and New Zealand White breeds. Symptoms and Types Rabbits suffering from epiphora will typically have a history of dental disease, incisor overgrowth, and upper respiratory infection. Other common symptoms associated with epiphora include: Lethargy Depression Hunched posture Constant hiding or unwillingness to move Inability to keep food in the mouth (i.e., constantly dropping food) Loss of hair, crusts, and matted fur around the face Red eyes, sometimes with thick discharge Bulging eyeballs and facial masses (especially those with tooth root abscesses) Causes There are various oral and eye dysfunctions that may lead to epiphora, including: Abnormal formation of nasal ducts and eye structure Nose inflammation or sinusitis Injury or fractures of the lacrimal or maxillary bones (the bones close to the eye orbits/tear ducts and the upper jaw, respectively) Tumors in the conjunctiva, medial eyelids, nasal cavity, maxillary bone, sinuses Foreign bodies in the eye (e.g., hay, litter, bedding) Exposure to chemicals used for home or cage cleaning Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eyeball) Glaucoma (high fluid pressure on the eyeball) Paralysis of the facial nerves   Diagnosis Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your rabbit, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have led to this condition, such as dental problems or respiratory infections. A sample of fluid and/or discharge will then be taken from the rabit’s eyes and nasal passages for bacterial culture and analysis of body fluid, which will help to diagnostically differentiate from other conditions that cause discharge from the eye. For visual diagnostics, your veterinarian can use X-rays of the skull to examine your rabbit for tumors or injuries to the bones of the skull, but computed tomography (CT) imaging is better than X-rays for localizing any obstructions and to characterize any associated lesions that are present. If an obstruction appears to be present, a nasal duct flush will confirm obstruction and may also dislodge the foreign material, if present. Meanwhile, a fluorescein stain, a non-invasive dye that shows details of the eye under blue light, may be used to examine the eye for abrasions or foreign objects.   Treatment In addition to treating the primary eye disease (conjunctivitis, ulcerative keratitis, uveitis) or obstructing lesion (nasal or sinus mass), your veterinarian may prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics. Living and Management Recurrence is common in rabbits with nasolacrimal (the nasal cavity and the lacrimal/tear ducts) obstruction, but early detection, intervention, and treatment provide a better long-term prognosis. Moreover, keeping the animal’s face clean and dry is crucial for preventing complications. Conversely, rabbits with severe dental disease (especially those with tooth root abscesses and severe bone loss) have limited chance of recovery. In some cases, the nasolacrimal duct may become completely obstructed. Depending on the severity of the underlying cause, a rabbit with epiphora will require significant monetary and time investment. In some cases, epiphora may even be lifelong. Featured Image: iStock.com/kerkla

Rabbits are not all bred to be equal — in size, that is. Some are bred to be small  and cute, and others, well, they are bred to be giant. Not a Harvey size giant (you know, the six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall invisible rabbit that used to keep James Stewart company in the 1950s eponymous film), but they do grow to be much bigger than regular-sized rabbits.   Here’s a little information about five of the most popular giant rabbit breeds.   The Giant Angora is a big critter. This bunny weighs in at around 9 pounds and is the largest of the angora variety. A very fluffy bunny with a wool undercoat, it needs intense daily grooming. Hope you’ve got that brush handy. The Giant Angora is also very gentle, so it is great around kids.   The British Giant is rarely seen outside of the U.K. But this rabbit is big, starting at 12.5 pounds. It has a kind and sweet personality, the type you’d definitely take home to grandma. But because of its size, it needs plenty of room. No one wants a cramped rabbit. It’s just not right. The British Giant also comes in different colors, so you can choose one to match your decor.   The Checkered Giant weighs in at around 11 pounds and is named after its peculiar black and blue spotted coat. This rabbit is especially active, so be prepared to provide lots of room for it to move about in. It’s great for hours of playtime, too.   The Giant Chinchilla is not a larger version of the Andean rodent, but a cross between the Flemish Giant rabbit and regular Chinchilla breeds. It weighs about 12 to 14 pounds and is frequently sold commercially for its meat. No word on the quality or toughness of the meat, but remember, you’re looking for a pet and not dinner.   The Flemish Giant. This bunny may tip the scales anywhere between 13 and 14 pounds. It has even been known to reach 22 pounds or more, which would probably make it a heavy weight fighter in the World Rabbit Boxing Association, if there actually were such an association. Here’s what makes the Flemish Giant an excellent pet: it is very laid back, more dog-like than rabbit; it comes in various colors, including black, blue, fawn, gray and white; and it is one of the oldest recognized rabbit breeds. It’s like owning a humongous, long-eared piece of the past. Because of its temperament, the Flemish Giant is also well suited for a family with kids.   So now that you know a little more about the various giant bunny breeds available for purchase, there is only one question you should ask yourself when picking one out: How big is too big?