Rabbit grunting while breathing

[chloe34510]

Hi,
Bit of background, 9 year old Lop. Very healthy, up to date with checks and vaccinations, lives indoors. About 2 months ago we noticed he was snoring very loudly, and became really lethargic. We took him to the vet and he was prescribed a course of antibiotics for a respiratory infection. It cleared up within a few days but he had the course for 7 days, but 2 weeks later was back. He was prescribed a 3 week course, this time it didn’t seem to make any difference and the vet said as his behaviour is normal( playing, eating, drinking, running around) they aren’t worried. The next step will be GA for X-rays and investigations. He’s still snoring and it sounds pretty awful ( like gasping) even though behaviour is normal. I’m reluctant to put him through investigations as I feel it will be unpleasant at his age, and in the same strain, so will another course of antibiotics that he hates,but equally it’s not okay if he’s in any pain/uncomfortable. Really just want opinions or any experience.
From my research and speaking to people respiratory issues are very serious and need to be treated immediately, which is why we have seen the vet straight away, but I can’t find any information on a rabbit that’s continued like this for weeks/months. His eyes are wet and we are keeping them clean /dry so does seem to be some sort of infection.
Have asked to speak to the rabbit specialist vet who will be calling me back today.
Thanks in advance

 

[JBun]

If antibiotics helped at one point, I would think that finding the correct antibiotic now should help again. Because that first course was far too short a one(one week rarely clears up respiratory infections in rabbits), the bacteria is now likely resistant to that antibiotic, so now a different one is likely needed. One that the bacteria involved is sensitive to. With him also having weepy eyes, that could very well mean there is a dental infection involved as well. So a thorough dental exam with xrays might be needed, but then you also have to consider his age. So it may be safer and easier to just get him on a different antibiotic and make sure it is given for a much longer period this time. I would also suggest finding a rabbit specialist like Richard Saunders(not sure which other one is in your area), as a specialist will be much better at diagnosing and treating the problem correctly.
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Respiratory/Bacterial/URI.htm

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/ve...s-that-have-been-recommended-by-rabbit-owners
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/