My rabbit has a respiratory infection. What are the causes, symptoms, and prevention?

Hello, I am very sorry to hear about your rabbit. Rabbits are predisposed to bacterial upper respiratory infections. One of the more common causes is a bacteria called Pasturella, leading to an infection called "Snuffles". If left untreated this bacteria can lead to pneumonia. Rabbits are very sensitive animals and when they become ill they are often predisposed to developing GI problems such as GI stasis. To prevent secondary problems from developing I would recommend having your rabbit evaluated by a veterinarian so that they can perform an examination and evaluate the nasal discharge. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hello. Thank you for using PetCoach. It looks like Ruby has an upper respiratory infection called "snuffles". You need to get her to a vet for an exam and treatment. She will need antibiotics to get this clear up and to keep it from getting worse. Snuffles is caused by a very aggressive bacteria and it can be fatal. Be sure to take her to a vet that is used to treating rabbits. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=2686 http://plantationcentreah.com/exotics-and-pocket-pets/ Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi and thank you for this question. Yes, in theory the same bacteria from your cats sneezing can cause snuffles to your rabbit (although rabbits usually get it from other rabbits). It is recommended that you have your cats examined by a vet, and also tjat you minimize their contact Topaz.

Most of the signs you are describing could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I am sorry to hear about your bunny! There are many possible causes for sneezing in rabbits. We can see infections with bacteria cause sneezing in bunnies. Since only one bunny is affected the infectious cause is less likely. Irritation to the nasal passages due to things like odors/ammonia from urine in the cage or cedar shavings can occur. Foreign objects being inhaled (such as pieces of hay or shavings) can cause sneezing fits. Dental problems can also cause sneezing. Since some of these problems due require medical treatment I would recommend an examination by a vet who sees rabbits. In the meantime you can try putting a humidifier in your bunny's room if you have one and you may also bring your bunny into the bathroom while you run a steamy shower for a steam treatment for 10-15 minutes to moisten the respiratory passages.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is my pleasure to answer your question as well as possible. I will do my best to give you the clearest and most current information I can. If you need to follow up with further questions or need a more in-depth discussion, please do not hesitate to request a consultation and we can help you further. Cute bunny, and congratulations on your new family member. Yes, it is pretty common for bunnies to get eye infections but there are a number of different reasons for them. The most common of those include a blocked tear duct that would normal drain extra tears from the eye into the nose, an abrasion or scratch, or an E. Cuniculi infection. A blocked tear duct can be caused by something as simple as a dusty brand of hay to something as complex as a chronic tooth issue. In a bunny as young as yours the chronic condition is less likely. Unfortunately, the only good way to tell if there is a blockage is for a vet to stain the eye and see if the colored stain drains into the nose as it should. If it is blocked, the vet can flush it out. They could also get a very superficial look at the teeth to see if they appear normal. The vet would be likely to give you some medication to help the irritated skin in front of the eye heal faster as well, for now please keep that area as clean and dry as possible.

Thanks for reaching out about Belle. The hard part with this is that different bacteria can be contracted through different routes. Bordatella is a common respiratory pathogen of dogs and rabbits, and can be transmitted to guinea pigs. Other bacterias are common in the environment and become opportunistic. Still other might harbor deep in the lungs, awaiting the opportunity to cause problems. Good luck.