Why Are Rabbits Eyes Red? Know It All

Rabbits are small furry and cute animals. You may have noticed red eyes on your rabbit and probably wondered why are rabbits eyes red?

Do all rabbits have red eyes? What causes red eyes in rabbits? Should you be concerned when your bunny friend has red eyes?

In this article, we will be diving deeper into this matter and ensure you are better informed as to why your bun friend could be having red eyes.

Continue reading to:

• Know why rabbits are red
• Know why white rabbits have red eyes
• And so much more…

Why Are Rabbits Eyes Red?

Rabbits have red eyes mostly due to two main reasons. Albinism and cases of an eye infection. Red eyes caused by albinism will also be accompanied by white fur.

Rabbits’ eye infection will also be accompanied by other things like swelling, bumps around the away, and the formation of a white stick substance around the corners of their eyes. It is also important to note that an eye infection can happen to any rabbit regardless of the color of itss fur.

Albinism in rabbits is an inherited trait. It occurs when rabbits have a mutation at the C locus of the gene that is responsible for producing the enzyme that synthesizes melanin from amino acid tyrosine.

When this mutation occurs, the melanin pigment is stripped off from their body giving albino rabbits the bleached look.

Although rabbits with albinism are sensitive to sunlight, they are normal and just like those without albinism.

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Does Albinism Place A Rabbits Health In Danger

Rabbits with red eyes and white fur will have a very unique appearance which can be concerning if you are not aware of albinism in rabbits.

A rabbit with albinism is of good health unless diagnosed with other health issues by your veterinarian. If your rabbit is doing badly healthwise it is very unlikely that its albinism has anything to do with it. Albinism does not pose any health dangers to your rabbit.

The one thing to be concerned about though is prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and any bright lights. This is because the rabbits red eyes are very sensitive to direct light and their skin will burn slightly faster than that of rabbits without albinism.

If your pet plays outside in the sun regularly ensure you provide a shade that they can easily access as soon as they start to feel uncomfortable in the sun. You could also consider applying sunscreen on your rabbit whenever they are exposed to direct sunlight. Ensure to ask your vet the best rabbit-friendly sunscreens to work with.

You could also avoid leaving your rabbit out in the sun for long periods.

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Why Do White Rabbits Have Red Eyes

White rabbits have red eyes because of albinism. The albinism makes the rabbit’s body, including the fur and eyes to have a bleached-like appearance.

Although albinism is completely normal in rabbits and does not expose your rabbit to any health concerns, you need to keep your albino rabbit away from direct sunlight and direct light. This is because of their sensitive skin and eyes.

If your rabbit is black or brown and has red eyes it is not an albino rabbit. It is most likely suffering from an eye infection or health danger that needs to be sorted out soon. Take your rabbit to the veterinarian and get the right diagnosis and guidance on how to help your rabbit get better.

Do Red-Eyed Rabbits Have Good Eyesight

Unfortunately, red-eyed rabbits will have poor eyesight as compared to normal rabbits or rabbits without albinism. They will tend to scan their environment for a little longer than normal rabbits usually would.

Red-eyed rabbits are also more sensitive to light as compared to normal rabbits due to the fact that they do not have an iris meaning most light comes right through their eyes.

This will make them squint their eyes and find direct sunlight or any light very difficult to deal with and often they will move to darker and more comfortable spaces.

Do Rabbits with Red Eyes Need Special Care

Rabbits with red eyes only need special care if they are going to be left out playing in the sun or will be exposed to bright lights.

Due to the fact that their skin and eyes are more sensitive to direct sunlight than normal rabbits, red-eyed rabbits with albinism should not be left exposed to direct sunlight. The heat will burn their skin and make them squint their eyes.

If your rabbit is going to play outside in the sun, ensure to provide a shade that the rabbit can access easily or as soon as it gets uncomfortable.

You can also apply sunscreen on their skin to protect them from the sun. Just be sure to get advice from your veterinarian on the type of sunscreen best recommended for rabbits.

You could also try and ensure that there are no bright lights in their space or cage and if they live indoors with you be sure to dim any bright lights.

Other than that red-eyed rabbits’ basic care should be just like that of normal rabbits. Unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian.

Why Do Rabbits Have Red Eyes?

Rabbits will have red eyes as a result of two factors; albinism and due to red-eye infections. The red-eye appearance comes from a reflection of the inside of their eyes and not the color of their iris.

Red-eye infection can occur in any rabbit breed. This is very similar to pink eye in humans.

The condition occurs when blood vessels in the rabbit’s eye swell giving the rabbit’s eye a red tinge. Red-eye infection is always accompanied by swelling, teary eyes, and bumps around the eyes.

Red-eye in rabbits can be caused by allergies, glaucoma, overgrown teeth, bacterial infection, or fungal infection.

Should this persist, make sure to make a quick visit to your local vet to get your bun friend examine and appropriate medication administered.

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Conclusion

If your rabbit has red eyes with white fur, it is probably an albino rabbit. If its fur is black, brown, or any other color, it is not an albino rabbit.

Although red eyes are normal in albino rabbits, be sure to check with your veterinarian to ascertain that your rabbit is not having any health concerns like an eye infection.

Besides red-eyed rabbits being sensitive to direct sunlight, they do not require any special care. Their diet, grooming, and enclosure can be just like those of a normal rabbit.

Albinism does not pose any health danger to your r