Rabbit Eye Removal Surgery: Blackberry’s Story and Recovery

When Eye Removal Surgery Is the Best Option: Blackberry’s Story

Sometimes caring for rabbits means making difficult medical decisions. While most rabbit health issues can be treated with medication or supportive care, there are situations where surgery becomes the kindest and most effective option.

This is the story of Blackberry, a very special rabbit from Hot Cross Buns, whose life took an unexpected turn when chronic eye problems led to the removal of one of her eyes. Her journey illustrates both the challenges and the resilience rabbits often show when facing serious health issues.

Blackberry’s Early Story

Blackberry was one of the rabbits we wrote about in our article on E. cuniculi. As a young rabbit she battled head tilt and eventually recovered, going on to live a happy life.

Following her recovery, Blackberry was placed with a loving young woman who adopted her as an emotional support bunny. The two enjoyed nearly four wonderful years together.

Eventually, however, circumstances changed for both of them. Blackberry’s owner developed severe hay allergies and other health challenges, making it difficult for her to continue caring for a rabbit. Around the same time, Blackberry began experiencing eye problems and was diagnosed by her veterinarian with entropion.

What Is Entropion in Rabbits?

Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye.

This constant irritation can lead to:

• eye discharge
• recurring infections
• inflammation and pain
• potential damage to the eye itself

Entropion can occur in many animal species, including humans. In cats and dogs it is often corrected with a relatively simple surgical procedure that repositions the eyelid.

Unfortunately, rabbits are much more delicate surgical patients, and correcting the eyelid itself is not always possible.

Blackberry Returns Home

In November 2022, Blackberry returned to Hot Cross Buns after attempts to find a suitable home in California were unsuccessful. Her original owner was devastated to part with her but trusted that we would ensure Blackberry received the care she needed.

When Blackberry arrived, she was already dealing with a significant eye infection and was being treated with medicated drops. While the drops helped manage the infection, the underlying problem remained unresolved.

Her infected eye caused constant irritation and discomfort. Because Blackberry had limited vision in that eye, she often held her head at an exaggerated angle so she could rely on her good eye to see the world around her.

This posture reminded us very much of the way she held her head during her earlier recovery from E. cuniculi.

Seeking Expert Veterinary Care

A wonderful client of ours volunteers at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and encouraged us to consult a veterinarian who works with exotic animals there.

Dr. Mike Selig, one of the zoo’s veterinarians, also sees patients one day each month at a practice in Euclid, Ohio. We were fortunate enough to schedule an appointment the following week.

After examining Blackberry, Dr. Selig determined that the root cause of her ongoing problems was most likely a blocked tear duct.

In some cases, a blocked tear duct can be treated by flushing the duct early in the course of infection. Unfortunately, because Blackberry had experienced repeated infections over time, scar tissue had formed and flushing was no longer possible.

The tear duct was chronically inflamed, and the kindest long-term solution was to remove the affected eye.

Thankfully, Dr. Selig was able to perform the surgery that same day.

Blackberry’s Surgery

During the procedure, the eye was removed and the eyelids were sewn closed. Blackberry returned home with medication to manage pain and prevent infection.

The veterinarian warned us that Blackberry would likely continue to hold her head at an exaggerated angle as she adapted to having vision on only one side.

This adjustment affects a rabbit’s depth perception, so rabbits with one eye often change how they move and position their bodies.

Life With One Eye

Two weeks after surgery, Blackberry was already recovering well. There was still a small amount of drainage, but overall her healing was progressing as expected.

We made a few adjustments to help her feel safe and comfortable:

• making noise before entering the room so she would not be startled
• approaching her from the side where she could see us
• arranging her space so she would not be surprised by movement behind her

Over time she adapted beautifully.

The fur eventually grew back over the surgical area, and Blackberry remained the same sweet, spunky little rabbit we had always known.

A Happy New Home

Once Blackberry had fully recovered and adjusted to life with one eye, she was placed with a wonderful family who had previously adopted another special rabbit from us named Guacamole.

Guacamole had his own unique story — his ear had been partially nibbled by his mother shortly after birth. Together, the two rabbits made quite a remarkable pair.

Bonding between them went wonderfully, and Blackberry seemed very happy in her new home.

A Final Update

Only a few months after her placement, Blackberry’s family brought her to their veterinarian for bloodwork and discovered she was suffering from severe kidney failure.

Sadly, there was no treatment that could help her recover. Her family made the heartbreaking but compassionate decision to allow Blackberry to pass peacefully.

We are forever grateful that Blackberry spent her final months surrounded by love and care with such a wonderful family.

When Guacamole was ready for a new companion, he was eventually matched with another retired Hot Cross Buns doe named Moxie. The two of them are now happily living their lives together.

Blackberry’s Legacy

Blackberry’s story reminds us how resilient rabbits can be, even when facing serious medical challenges.

She lived a life filled with love, care, and compassion — from her early days at Hot Cross Buns, to her time as an emotional support bunny, and finally to the family who gave her a joyful final chapter.

She will always hold a special place in our hearts.