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My rabbit is not moving, breathing hard, has nasal discharge, and pain.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 2 years old

I came home from work to my bunny laying in the same position he was when I left for work. I picked him up and he was shortness of breath and unable to move or even pick his head up. He has stuff from his nose and everytime I move his hind legs he moves like he's in pain. I don't have the money to help him but I just want to know what's going on and if he's going to pass or he will be okay til in the morning?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 30th, 2017

Poor Smokey. I am very concerned for him - rabbits rarely show signs of illness until their disease is very progressed as they are prey animals, so they can hide their symptoms. A few possibilities for his symptoms may be myxomatosis - a viral infection which is highly contagious and causes pus to form in the eyes, nose and genital area.
Another illness is E.cuniculi - this is a parasite that can affect balance and can make it hard for your bunny to stand or move. This carries a more favorable outcome with treatment - but it relies on his body responding to the treatment and very careful nursing of him to ensure he is eating / drinking and passing pellets. If you can take him tonight, I would recommend to do so. It is possible that he may pass naturally. I'm sorry, I hope Smokey makes it.
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