Stephanie wrote:
The thing that didn't sit right with me about this visit, was that hetold us that it's Pasturella and that all rabbits carry it, will alwayshave it and that it'll crop up from time to time. Now, I was under theimpression that the only sure fire way to diagnose Pasturella was ablood test.
Correct -- blood tests would indicate antibodies against Pasteurella(from exposure or an active infection).
A friend of mine occasionally had rabbits that would sneeze orperiodically have some discharge from the nose. All hadextensive blood testing done -- but none showed antibodies toPasteurella.
As Buck mentioned, rabbits may carry Pasteurella and beasymptomatic.
It's a more accurate statement to simply say that rhinitis, which has a number of causes,is common in rabbits.
Here's some excellent info on Pasteurella
http://www.rabbit.org/care/pasturella.html
Reasons why the tests may
not be helpful in diagnosing an active Pasteurella infection:
http://www.sonic.net/~snevel/documents/antibody_titers
Pam
Below is more info that I've posted previously:
"Snuffles" is a generic term for rhinitis/cold symptoms in rabbitswhich may include congestion, sneezing, matted paws, runny eyes,temperature, runny nose (clear, white or colored). In some cases, theillness may progress into a bacterial infection such as pneumonia. Theterm snuffles is not specific to any particular pathogen and may or maynot be contagious. In most cases where the rabbit is "blowing snot" thecondition is chronic and may respond only temporarily to treatment.Certain medications can help to relieve symptoms.
Common pathogens that may cause "cold/snuffles" symptoms in rabbitsinclude Pasteurella (often in conjunction with Bordatella), Staph,Strep, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungus or environmental irritants.
A nasal culture of the "snot" can be taken. This test is less expensive, but also less accurate than an extensive blood test.
Unfortunately, it's difficult to attempt successful treatment withoutfirst identifying the pathogen so the correct antibiotic can be used ifthe infection is bacterial.
The mucus can cause irritation around the nasal passages that can leadto a bacterial infection and painful scabbing around the nose.
A little vicks in a vaporizer can help relieve symptoms while the rabbit is undergoing treatment.