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Why is my rabbit losing weight, not eating, and has a runny nose?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | spayed | 3.96 lbs

New Zealand Female Rabbit, spayed, from a rescue not sure on age. Had her since March, she was overweight when we got her. She has lost a lot of weight over a period of a month. Also has discharge from nose. Vet gave antibiotics, but she has since gone off her food. Still producing many small stools and drinking plenty. Teeth checked they're fine, vet says next step is blood test. Any ideas what it could be?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 17th, 2017

With the discharge from her nose I would suspect that she has some sort of respiratory issue going on. Rabbits are very prone to pasteurella infection and this can cause weight loss over time and make them generally unwell. With any disease rabbits will be under stress which puts them at risk of gut stasis. Running bloods could help to establish if their is an active infection and if any other organs are involved.
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