My rabbit has snuffles. Can I safely diffuse essential oils nearby?

Thanks for your question about Sunu. Snuffles is typically a generic term for a single type of bacteria- this is usually present in most rabbits. If you are unable to take your rabbit to a veterinarian, then you can attempt supportive care at home. This would include a high quality diet, a well ventilated area for the enclosure, and keeping Sunu’s face clean. Please do not give Sunu any human medications at home, as many are harmful to our furry friends. I hope that gices you a place to start, and that Sunu gets better soon.

I would never use essential oils directly on your rabbit. Frankly, the best way to help with the odor is to keep your rabbit and his housing very clean by frequently changing litter and bedding. And never bathe a rabbit unless he has soiled himself and/or is very dirty. They usually groom enough to keep themselves clean. Rabbits are very delicate and sensitive which is why they are often used as a human analog in product testing.

Snuffles in rabbits is caused by a bacteria called pasturella. The majority of pet rabbits carry this in their lungs and it is in times when the immune system is stressed that it tends to cause disease. Such as concurrent illness, surgery, age etc. For whatever reason the sick rabbit has developed snuggles, however, its friends likely already have the bacteria but are strong enough for it not to manifest as disease. I would avoid treating them uneccesarily as you could encourage resistance. Be vigilant with them though. To definitively know what infection your rabbit has it would have to be tested.

Separate him for now just in case it is infectious. Snuffles is extremely contagious. Have Ollie examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits. A culture of the discharge can be collected and submitted for culture to identify the bacteria responsible for snuffles (Pasteurella spp or Staphylococcus spp). Treatment can be administered as indicated.

It's unlikely she was misdiagnosed, Snuffles is by far the most common upper respiratory disease in rabbits and the symptoms seem to match, unfortunately treatment can be long and frustrating, in many cases more than one antibiotic is needed to resolve this infection. IF she is breathing through her mouth but is still eating and not lethargic, it's probably because her nose is clotted, the antibiotics should take care of that eventually.

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!

Thanks for reaching out about Biscuit. If seems not to be responding to antibiotics, a culture and other diagnostics needs to be performed to get a more complete diagnosis. Separate the administration of both medications for 30 minutes or so. Wipe nose as needed to remove any accumulations of discharge. Nebulization is another mechanism to administer drugs to the upper and lower respiratory system. Talk to your vet again. Good luck.