Respiratory Disease

 

Rabbits are prone to respiratory diseases so good ventilation in their living accommodation and cleaning their areas regularly is absolutely essential. Rabbits should not be kept in a damp and / or dusty garden shed or building. Avoid using dusty hay and strong smelling cleaning products around them too; they have a far better sense of smell than we have and products that wouldn’t bother us can be harmful to them.

Sawdust and wood shavings are no longer recommended for small animal use as they can cause respiratory disease.

​

If your rabbit has a runny nose, eyes or breathing difficulties book them in with their vet. Be aware that dental problems can also be the cause of a runny nose or eyes.

​

Rabbit Snuffles

Rabbits don’t get colds so if they have symptoms that look like a human cold they must be seen by a rabbit savvy vet as soon as possible. 

​

Symptoms of snuffles are:

• Breathing problems with possible wheezing

• Coughing and sneezing

• Appetite will be reduced because it’s hard to breath and swallow with a blocked nose

• Many rabbits with snuffles have dirty front paws because they have wiped their noses and eyes with them

• With some rabbits there may also be ear or balance problems and / or dental problems.

​

If your rabbit begins mouth breathing at any time it is in severe respiratory distress and needs to see a vet urgently.

​

Snuffles is a very serious bacterial infection in rabbits which must be treated with antibiotics and possibly a nebuliser (a similar device to that which some asthmatics use to deliver medication in the form of a mist to be inhaled into the lungs), in order to get an antibacterial drug to where it is needed.

​

Pasteurella multocida is the most common bacteria type found; but other common infectious causes are Bordetella (kennel cough) and Pseudomonas. It is also highly contagious so discuss with your vet what is the best way to keep any other rabbits bonded with them, or in close proximity, safe too. You should not separate bonded rabbits as this can cause them stress and weaken the immune system even more putting their health at a greater risk. However, it may be wise to use separate bowls for food and water for the poorly rabbit.

​

​Thorough cleaning and disinfecting of any area your rabbit is in should be done regularly; this also includes litter trays, toys, rugs, food and water dishes / bottles etc. Any mucus should be cleaned up immediately and disposed of; if their nostrils become blocked, use a damp cotton bud to gently clear them, be careful NOT to insert the bud too far.

​

Your rabbit will need to be kept warm, if they are indoor rabbits this will be simple enough. If they live outdoors you may need to bring them in; but be careful not to have a sudden increase in living temperature for them.

​

Keep an eye on your rabbit droppings, they are often the first indication that your rabbit is becoming unwell.

​

Other Pets

Other pets may also become infected, depending on which bacteria are present, therefore keeping everything scrupulously clean is essential, this includes thoroughly washing your own hands immediately after handling your poorly rabbit and, if appropriate, changing your clothes and shoes as well.

 

Humans

If the cause is Pasteurella or Pseudomonas, there is a very small risk that humans in the household could become infected. However, with proper cleaning and disinfecting, the risk is very low unless somebody has immune system problems, in which case it is best that they don’t have contact with the sick rabbit if at all possible.