Return bun has stuffy nose

[whaleyk98]

So I first posted in the rabbitry about a bun I took back from a lady who had him for a yr and was going to send him to auction.The conditions were horrible.Well I went to get him yesterday and he was ok, very skinny but ok. Well now he is definitely sick. Stuffy nose and hard to breath. Im not sure what to do now. I have him seperated from the rest of my herd but Im still going to have to go down to feed them and such but Im so worried about getting everyone else sick. Can someone help me? Give me some pointers. I wash my hands and dont handle him if I dont have to. Im so worried.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Are you a breeder?

I ask because if you are, humanely euthanizing him may be the best option whether done by you or another breeder friend. Pasteurella (which it sounds like it is) can be treated but not cured, so rabbits who carry the bacteria should not be exposed to a breeding herd.

If you're a pet owner with just a few pets, treatment may be a more probable solution. Make an appointment with a rabbit savvy vet to get a nasal culture done as soon as possible to check for the bacteria. Pasteurella can evolve into a respiratory illness quickly (it may have already done that). So get him treated as soon as possible, if that is the case.

 

[whaleyk98]

Yes, I am a breeder. This is why Im freaking out. I need him out of here and I think Im just going to have him humanely euthanized. Poor guy. =(

 

[jamesedwardwaller]

whaleyk98 wrote:

So I first posted in the rabbitry about a bun I took back from a lady who had him for a yr and was going to send him to auction.The conditions were horrible.Well I went to get him yesterday and he was ok, very skinny but ok. Well now he is definitely sick. Stuffy nose and hard to breath. Im not sure what to do now. I have him seperated from the rest of my herd but Im still going to have to go down to feed them and such but Im so worried about getting everyone else sick. Can someone help me? Give me some pointers. I wash my hands and dont handle him if I dont have to. Im so worried.

this is a sad situation--whereas people fail to care for the rabbit properly.//.malnutrition,,respiratory problems,..are you well versed on rabbit care.??---i believe this rabbit requires an exam from an exotic specialist,,nasal-cultures,and -facial radiograghs -dental-problems??..this is do able,--,i have been there,,i am a rehabber..pm me if necessary..sincerely james wallerray:

 

[jamesedwardwaller]

whaleyk98 wrote:

Yes, I am a breeder. This is why Im freaking out. I need him out of here and I think Im just going to have him humanely euthanized. Poor guy. =(

if this is your decision,,i would not go online and ask for opinions or help.!! james wallerray::rollseyes

 

[whaleyk98]

I was asking for help as far as what to do about not spreading anything to my herd Mr James Waller. I was not going online asking for help with euthanasia. And I am entitled as anyone to ask for opinions. Thank you.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

whaleyk98 wrote:

Yes, I am a breeder. This is why Im freaking out. I need him out of here and I think Im just going to have him humanely euthanized. Poor guy. =(

In that case, it's sad but true that it would be best for your herd. Even if he were treated, he would still carry the bacteria and any rabbits he came into contact with who had weak immune systems would probably not be able to keep the illness at bay.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. It's not an easy decision, but sometimes we have to consider what is best for the whole herd.

 

[butsy]

maybe have someone else that lives with you take care of the sick bunny, ( someone who does not go near the others) that way you would not spread it

 

[ra7751]

Sad also about the lingering lack of understanding about certain pathogens such as Pasteurella. Every mammal, including humans, and some birds carry pasteurella. Itcan be found usually in the upper respiratory system of any mammal. It is an opportunistic bacteria and only shows itself if there is a situation in which the immune system has been compromised. I understand the concern of breeders but I have had some of the worst confirmed cases of Pasteurella here and have never had it spread. No doubt that itcan spreadusually by the airborne route. But my other rabbits were healthy enough not to be affected. With the correct drugs Pasteurella can be safely managed. Still I do understand your concern regarding your other rabbitsand I would suggest trying to find a rescue that can treat this rabbit and give it the life it so obviously hasn't had up to now. I know there are quite a few rabbit rescues in NY State.

Randy

 

[whaleyk98]

Thanks Randy. I will look into that first as that never even crossed my mind. Thats a good idea and I will get right into that. I was just panicking (understandably) about it spreading to my herd. Also, its going to be difficult to locate a rescue that will be willing to take in a bun from places other than a shelter or a being stray.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

ra7751 wrote:

Sad also about the lingering lack of understanding about certain pathogens such as Pasteurella. Every mammal, including humans, and some birds carry pasteurella. Itcan be found usually in the upper respiratory system of any mammal. It is an opportunistic bacteria and only shows itself if there is a situation in which the immune system has been compromised.

This is true, but another reason why pasteurella (as an active illness) can do more damage on a show or breeding herd. The immune systems are compromised more often due to the stresses of show or breeding and may spread more readily in this atmosphere.

Also, rabbits who show symptoms have a weaker immune system than those who do not. Offspring from these rabbits can inherit that weakness and further carry on the susceptibility to the illness.

It is true that most rabbits carry pasteurella anyway. But these are two reasons that breeders generally stay on the safe side and cull the animal from the breeding herd.

 

[tonyshuman]

I would just isolate him from the other bunnies as best as you can. He can be treated, especially if you get good vet treatment of it (ie not just sending you home with a bottle of Baytril).

 

[Luvr of Wabbits and Polar Bears]

Kate how is your bunny doing?