My new rabbit sounds stuffy with mucus. Is it a respiratory infection?

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!

Hi and thank you for your question, It sound like you may have a problem of upper respiratory infection in your bunnies. The common cause for it would be a bacteria called Pasteurella (snuffles). Rabbits can only breath through their nose, so once they get an upper respiratory infection they start making those funny noises. I would suggest that you visit your vet once again and ask him/her if antibiotics are indicated, as these cannot be prescribed online. Regards

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Respiratory infections can be either viral, bacterial or a bacterial infection secondary to a viral infection. If you have a large number of rabbits that are all inbreeding, they will have weaker immune systems and will pass these viruses around, which will lead to a group of very weak and sick bunnies. They get it by being around one another and breathing in the same air. Viruses are floating around in the environment, so unless you had each bunny individually housed, with different air venting to each one (like a research lab) then your bunnies will all be exposed. Bacteria spreads similarly. Signs of respiratory disease/infections include trouble breathing, inappetance, weight loss, decreased energy, poor hair coat, and death. You can prevent it by cleaning out your house, getting well and genetic diverse bunnies that are not allowed to inbreed (making sure they are spayed/neutered), and having the bunnies all vaccinated. Keeping the environment clean is very important as well. Best of luck with your bunnies.

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.

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.

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. Rabbits very commonly have upper respiratory infections. They can be from dental disease, specifically the roots, or sometimes there is a primary rhinitis. Rabbits make a very thick pus that doesn’t drain well, so when an infection is present inside the nose or nasal passages, it can be extremely hard to clear. Sometimes surgery or anesthetized nasal flushing is required. Since nothing has really helped before, I would recommend a thorough exam by a veterinarian along with blood work, skull radiographs, a deep nasal swab or nasal flush for cytology and culture. From there, any additional procedures can be recommended (dental trim, extraction, rhinoscopy, etc). Likely, Hangy will need a long course of medication (4-8 weeks) and may have relapses throughout his life. At home you can make things a bit easier on him by reducing airway irritants, keeping his cage clean, and supporting good dental health with high quality grass hay. Good luck!