Chronic non-infective conjunctivitis in rabbits

A high proportion (36%) of rabbits in a long-term experiment developed a severe chronic purulent conjunctivitis. Bacteriological examination failed to reveal an organism common to all cases, and the condition was only partially controlled by a neomycin and hydrocortisone eye ointment. Cutting down the possibility of hay dust entering the rabbits' eyes led to marked improvement: the conjunctivitis was virtually eliminated when hay was given in a specially-designed solid-sided hopper which prevented the release of dust during feeding and which, being detachable, could be refilled away from the rabbit rooms to minimize general atmospheric dust.