Runny Nose

[naturestee]

Also see:
Infections
Pasteurella
Runny Eyes

What is it?
From Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sneezing.html

Rabbits can suffer from infections of the upper respiratory tract (the sinuses and other parts of the tract that are not actually parts of the lungs), and this is usually manifested as runny nose, runny eyes and sneezing. Unlike a human cold, which is caused by a virus, rabbit upper respiratory infections are caused by bacteria. The condition is commonly called "snuffles."

"Snuffles" is is a non-specific, "catch-all" term used to describe such symptoms without naming the specific cause.. Until fairly recently, many veterinarians believed that "snuffles" was almost always caused by the bacterial pathogen Pasteurella multocida, commonly found in rabbits (though often without causing any problematic symptoms at all). More recent information suggests that many different species of bacteria can cause "snuffles." Some of the bacteria most commonly cultured from rabbit nasal discharge include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Staphylococcus aureus, though there are many others.

Because bacterial species (and their different strains) have characteristic sensitivity and resistance to various antibiotics, it is worth your investment to allow your veterinarian to positively identify the pathogen (i.e., disease-causing agent) your bunny has. The best way is via a CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY test. This laboratory test is the only way to determine (1) the species of bacteria causing the infection and (2) which rabbit-safe antibiotics will be most effective at killing them.

Articles
Listings in Rabbit References: Respiratory Problems
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#resp

Listings in Rabbit References: Bacteria
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#bacteria

Culture and Sensitivity Testing For Bacterial Infections
http://www.ontariorabbits.org/health/healthinfo11.html

Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Rabbits
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Respiratory/Bacterial/URI.pdf

Differential Diagnosis for Respiratory Failure
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Respiratory/Differential/respira_diff.htm

Ammonia Intoxication in Rabbits
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Respiratory/Toxic/ammonia_intox.pdf

Dyspnoea (Labored Breathing) in Rabbits
http://www.vetsforum.co.uk/article_dyspnoea_rabbit.htm

"Snuffles" in Rabbits
http://www.provet.co.uk/Petfacts/healthtips/snuffles.htm

Snuffles- the Facts
http://www.vetsforum.co.uk/lapis_snuffles.htm

Respiratory Disease
http://www.isabellevets.co.uk/health_advice/rabbit/info/resprabbit.htm

Nebulizing Rabbits
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/nebulization.html

Nebulizing Bunnies
http://www.ontariorabbits.org/health/healthinfo14.html

Second Hand Smoke and Pets
http://www.thelinksroadanimalclinic.com/index.php?view=pageView&docid=100049347

RO Threads
Not Again!!!)=
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=9426&forum_id=1

Pasteurella
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=376&forum_id=1&highlight=snuffles

Pseudo-snuffles!
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=1008&forum_id=1&highlight=snuffles

Poor Nibbles!
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=10555&forum_id=1&highlight=snuffles

He's Sneezing?
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=608&forum_id=1&highlight=snuffles

 

[naturestee]

Achoo! Living With a Sneezy Bunny.
http://www.ntrs.org/fall2004/page3.html

 

[Pipp]

Sinus Infections in Rabbits (Sinitus, Rhinitus)
http://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/nose/c_rb_rhinitis_sinusitis