My rabbit has snuffles. Should I treat my other healthy rabbits too?

It certainly sounds like snuffles (Pasteurellosis) but it is impossible to know for sure without seeing Kookie. Since Pasteurella can cause septicemia which may result in sudden death, it is important that you have Kookie seen by your veterinarian. Antibiotic treatment is often difficult and needs to continue for 6-8 weeks. Also, many antibiotics are ineffective against this disease because of an increase in resistant strains. Culture and sensitivity testing is therefore recommended to determine the best antibiotic to use. Keep in mind that there are other infectious diseases that can cause the same or similar clinical signs including some viral diseases. Your veterinarian will be able to examine Kookie, diagnose what is going on and recommend appropriate treatment.

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.

As with any infection, the sooner treatment is administered, the sooner the eye will recover. Mild cases of snuffles may resolve without treatment. It can also lead to more serious infection if not treated promptly. It is also very contagious, so if you have other rabbits, it is best to quarantine Lola. Do your best to get Lola seen by your veterinarian as soon as you can. If your vet cannot see her, consider a different veterinary clinic just this once. You can read more about the condition here: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18 1803

Pasteurellosis (snuffles) is a contagious disease transmitted by contact or by air. In fact, some rabbits will carry the pathogen without showing clinical signs. Accordingly, it is likely that, if this is Pasteurella then Flower and Nia have the same disease. Since Pasteurella can cause septicemia which may result in sudden death, it is important that you have Flower and Nia seen by your veterinarian. I am not sure what antibiotic you have on hand but treatment is often difficult and needs to continue for 6-8 weeks. Also, many antibiotics are ineffective against this disease because of an increase in resistant strains. Culture and sensitivity testing is therefore recommended to determine the best antibiotic to use. Keep in mind that there are other infectious diseases that can cause the same or similar clinical signs including some viral diseases. Your veterinarian will be able to examine Flower and Nia, diagnose what is going on and recommend appropriate treatment.

Only give it to the sick one for now, if the second one starts showing symptoms then treat him as well. a good alternative to baytril is Septrin (trimetoprim sulfa), this should be easy to find in human pharmacies (children suspension).

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.

Hello! A wet nose in a rabbit usually indicates nasal discharge. Nasal discharge can result from allergy, inflammation, or infection of the nasal passages or even from an infected tooth root. It is very common for rabbits to carry a bacteria called Pasteurella (often referred to as “snuffles”). This bacteria can flare up in times of stress. Most rabbits have at least been exposed to this bacteria, and there are also other bacteria and viruses that could cause similar respiratory illness. The best thing to do for Buddy would be to have him examined by your local vet who can assess the discharge and Buddys breathing and teeth. the vet may recommend blood work, X-rays, or even a CT scan of his head since that will give the best information about the nose and terth. Remember that an oral exam in an awake rabbit is fairly insensitive to disease and any root disease is not visible except with X-rays for a CT scan. Since rabbits can only breath through their nose, it’s important to get this evaluated while Buddy is doing well, since potential profession of disease could be serious. Good luck to you and Buddy!