I’ve had my bunny for 2 days now. She came to me via an airplane so she had to get a health certificate from a vet before she came. She seems to be breathing really quickly and her sides move in and out when she breathes and her head bobs sometimes. She lives inside and my heater is set at 70 degrees so I don’t think she’s overheating. She’s eating, pooping, playing with me, letting me hold her, and isn’t lethargic at all. She’s not wheezing, and has no discharge coming from her nose. I don’t think she’s stressed either. How worried should I be? I am literally going insane because she’s acting completely normally aside from this. Should I give her a few days to adjust or get her to an emergency vet on Monday? Any responses appreciated. Also going to try and call the vet who she went to on Tuesday and ask if he thinks this is normal.
Breathing too quickly/ heavily?
- Thread starter Morgan223
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It could be the stress of being in a new place, and if so I would keep an eye to make sure she is eating and drinking normally, and the breathing should settle as she settles in. If she came from a much colder climate and she grew a winter coat, then she could be hot. In which case you will want to take measures to help her keep cool until she sheds her winter coat, like using cool water in her dish, cool tiles to lay on, frozen water bottle to lay next to.
https://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-health/recognizing-heat-stroke-in-your-pet-rabbit/
There are also health concerns that can cause an increased respiratory rate and effort. Respiratory infections can be a cause if there are signs of noisy breathing, nasal discharge, and/or mouth breathing(emergency if this one occurs). Heart problems can also be a cause, such as from an enlarged heart. Large breed rabbits like flemish, seem to be more prone to this possibility. And thymoma, though more likely if she's an old rabbit.
https://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-health/recognizing-heat-stroke-in-your-pet-rabbit/
There are also health concerns that can cause an increased respiratory rate and effort. Respiratory infections can be a cause if there are signs of noisy breathing, nasal discharge, and/or mouth breathing(emergency if this one occurs). Heart problems can also be a cause, such as from an enlarged heart. Large breed rabbits like flemish, seem to be more prone to this possibility. And thymoma, though more likely if she's an old rabbit.
She’s been eating/drinking/pooping normally and I haven’t seen any discharge. I obviously will get this checked out by a vet soon but if it’s probably just stress I think going to a vet would just stress her out more
