Rabbit Diseases - Runny Nose - Snuffles
Rabbits, like other animals, can have excessive nasal
secretions, or in common terms, a runny nose or Snuffles.
If a runny nose is the only symptom the problem may simply
be environmental, but it is important to try to determine the
cause since rabbits are prone to Upper Respiratory
Infections and URIs can be dangerous.
One common, very contagious and very serious condition,
commonly called Snuffles, can be fatal if not treated.
There are a number of possible causes, including:
* Irritating chemicals in the environment, such as aerosol
sprays, paint, cooking fumes, dust, perfumes, or the like
* Too warm an environment
* High humidity
* High stress from a noisy or threatening environment
* Other illness causing stress to the rabbit's body
* Dental disease (tooth problems)
* Upper respiratory infections or abscesses
* Sinus infections or irritations
Symptoms of Snuffles or Runny Nose
Symptoms include a clear or cloudy fluid dripping from the
nose, sneezing, and staining or sticky front paws from
wiping the nose during grooming pet rabbits.
Treatment for Snuffles or Runny Nose
Treatment of course depends on the cause of the rabbit's
runny nose. Some things to check for are:
* Any chemicals or air-borne particles that have newly been
introduced to the rabbit's environment
* Check the rabbit's teeth and take care of any problems you may find
* Check that no seeds or bits of hay have made their way into the
rabbits nose. If necessary, have the veterinarian check.
*If the cause is not readily apparent and the problem doesn't
get worse but also doesn't go away within a week, take the
rabbit to the vet for a check and treatment if needed.
Prevention
1. Good housekeeping and a proper diet are your first line
of defense, as they keep the allergens and infections down
and the rabbits' immune systems strong.
2. Keep wild rabbits well away from your
domestic rabbits,
as URIs, including the potentially fatal ones, are common in
wild rabbits.
3. Keep all new rabbits in two week quarantine from your
other rabbits, and be sure to do their daily care last and
wash up well afterwards so you can't carry any diseases they
may harbor back to your other rabbits.
