Sick rabbit

My rabbit Betty seems to be constantly ill. The first time I think it was 2 months ago I noticed a runny nose and took her to a vet. They gave her antibiotics and she seemed fine. Told me she got a mild infection and that it’s nothing to worry about. Two weeks later she had same symptoms( wet blocked nose) I took her to a vet and they gave her antibiotics again plus pain killer. This time they said she suffers from allergy and asked me to get rid of anything with strong smell( like air fresheners and carpet cleaning chemicals). Her nose is still blocked and runny. She is eating normally and is very happy but I’m very worried. She is 5 months old and I’m not sure what to think. I want her to be happy and enjoy her life not taking a medicine everyday.

Hi, I think it is very possible allergic reaction and if you try removing everything that can cause allergies as your vet suggested and use natural cleaners instead of strong scented chemicals it should improve.

I don’t use any chemicals. Never ever have I used them, and I said that to the vet too.

I'm curious how long the antibiotic course were. Many times, especially with respiratory infections, the infection symptoms reappear because the first round of medication did not last long enough. In other words, enough of the infection was killed to stop symptoms, but medication was stopped before the infection was fully eliminated, thus in the time afterwards, the leftover infection resume multiplying and symptoms re emerge.

John Wick said:

I'm curious how long the antibiotic course were. Many times, especially with respiratory infections, the infection symptoms reappear because the first round of medication did not last long enough. In other words, enough of the infection was killed to stop symptoms, but medication was stopped before the infection was fully eliminated, thus in the time afterwards, the leftover infection resume multiplying and symptoms re emerge.

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The first time it was 10 days and the second time 14 days. Thank you John for your reply.

Since this seems to be recurring, the vet should offer to do a culture on the nasal discharge. Once identified the most appropriate antibiotic can be given.

I know this may sound strange but do you use pine shavings for bedding? I have a lion head bunny who is terribly allergic so I had to switch to something different. I found oxbow eco-straw works great. It is a wheat based pellet that if eaten is digestible. Good Luck and I hope Betty feels better soon

precarious98 said:

I know this may sound strange but do you use pine shavings for bedding? I have a lion head bunny who is terribly allergic so I had to switch to something different. I found oxbow eco-straw works great. It is a wheat based pellet that if eaten is digestible. Good Luck and I hope Betty feels better soon

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Yes, I am but only in her litter box.

Can you switch to pine pellets in her litter box instead of the shavings? Or maybe just a layer of newspaper topped with hay? Just to see if it helps alleviate her symptoms. The discharge culture is a good idea too.

Butterscotch said:

Can you switch to pine pellets in her litter box instead of the shavings? Or maybe just a layer of newspaper topped with hay? Just to see if it helps alleviate her symptoms. The discharge culture is a good idea too.

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Sorry I meant that I’m using pine pellets not the shavings. However I’m gonna try newspaper and hay and see if it makes any difference.

That sounds like a great idea, good luck.

precarious98 said:

That sounds like a great idea, good luck.

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Thank you so much