How to Detect and Treat Rabbit Respiratory Infections

Recognizing the Symptoms of Respiratory Infections in Rabbits

Respiratory infections, commonly known as "snuffles", are a common health issue in rabbits. Prompt detection and treatment are crucial, as these infections can quickly become severe and even fatal if left untreated. The most common symptoms of respiratory infections in rabbits include:

• Weepy eyes
• Discharge from the nose
• Sneezing/snuffles
• Fast breathing/difficulty breathing
• Wheezing/noisy breathing
• Low energy, being quieter than usual or hiding away
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Stained fur on front legs from cleaning weepy eyes and a runny nose
• Sudden death (unfortunately, rabbits tend to hide symptoms until they are very poorly)

If your rabbit is struggling to breathe, it is an emergency situation and you should contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment. Left untreated, your rabbit is likely to become very ill and could even die.

Diagnosing Respiratory Infections in Rabbits

Diagnosis of upper respiratory tract disease in rabbits is based on clinical signs and physical examination initially, followed by laboratory testing and diagnostic imaging. Careful auscultation of the upper (trachea) and lower airways (lungs) can help differentiate between an upper airway obstruction and lung disease in most cases.

Hematologic evaluation is recommended, but hematologic values are not always indicative of infection. Neutrophilia or a shift in the normal neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (about 2: 3) is suggestive of bacterial infection. Abnormal biochemical values help detect organ failure.

Deep nasal culture is performed by placing a small-tipped sterile culture swab 2-4 cm into the medial aspect of each nare. Some rabbits may violently resist this procedure and may need to be sedated prior to culture using this technique. Inoculation of the swab onto a blood agar plate as soon as possible will enhance recovery of Pasteurella multocida. False negatives are possible and several attempts can maximize isolation of the organism.

Serology testing for Pasteurella multocida is available as an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Antibody detection has been used to screen colonies of rabbits for pasteurellosis. There are inherent problems with interpreting serologic tests; false negatives may be present in an immune-suppressed individual and positive tests may indicate exposure and not necessarily active infection.

Skull radiographs are an important diagnostic tool in cases of chronic, non-responsive upper respiratory disease. Erosion of the nasal turbinates occurs with chronic Pasteurella rhinitis in some rabbits. Concurrent otitis externa and media may be seen radiographically as an increased opacity in the external ear canal and in the tympanic bulla. For a more detailed study, computed tomography (CT) scanning can be performed.

Treating Respiratory Infections in Rabbits

If your rabbit is very unwell with a respiratory infection, it's likely that they will need intensive care in a veterinary hospital until they start to improve and eat again. Treatment may include:

• Oxygen therapy
• Anti-inflammatories
• Antibiotics
• Fluid therapy (IV or subcutaneous)

Supportive care to help them breathe and keep their guts moving

Treatment of any other symptoms, such as infected, swollen or blocked tear ducts that need to be flushed or abscesses that need to be drained or removed

Therapeutic agents for the treatment of respiratory infections in rabbits must be considered carefully. Severe dysbiosis and life threatening enteritis can occur if the wrong antibiotic is chosen. Safe antibiotic choices include the fluoroquinolones, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin at 5-10mg/kg PO.

If your rabbit only has mild symptoms of snuffles, or if they are much better after being in hospital, they are likely to be sent home with medication such as antibiotics and other medications to help them feel better. It's important that you give your rabbit all their prescribed medicines and let your vet know if you are struggling. Your vet may also suggest using a nebuliser to soothe the airways and give certain medicines.

Preventing Respiratory Infections in Rabbits

• To reduce the chance of respiratory infections in your rabbits:
• Keep them stress-free and happy (in pairs/groups)
• Make sure they live in a spacious, clean, well-ventilated environment – it should be at least 10 x 6 x 3 ft in size (but bigger is better)
• Feed them a healthy diet (their body size in hay, an adult handful of green veg and if necessary, a tablespoon of pellets every day)

Make sure fresh water is always available in a bowl and bottle

Poor air quality, caused by high ammonia levels or dusty hay, irritates the respiratory tract and predisposes secondary infection. Ventilation and good air quality are important in disease prevention. Pasteurellosis can be spread between animals and the disease is endemic in most breeding establishments. It often causes problems in premises such as sanctuaries, where several animals are housed in close proximity.

Outlook and Cost of Treatment

The outlook for your rabbit depends how severe their symptoms are, and how well they fight the infection. Some rabbits recover in a few days and return to normal, others take weeks to improve, some recover but develop it again later in life and sadly, because of the seriousness of respiratory infections in rabbits, some don't survive despite treatment.

Treatment for a poorly rabbit can become very expensive. It's important to speak openly to your vet about your finances, the cost of treatment, as well as what you think is right for your rabbit. There are often several treatment options so if one doesn't work for you and your pet then the vet may be able to offer another. Consider insuring your rabbit as soon as you get them, before any signs of illness start. This will ensure you have all the support you need to care for them.

In conclusion, respiratory infections in rabbits are a serious health issue that require prompt veterinary attention. By recognizing the symptoms, seeking prompt treatment, and taking preventative measures, you can help keep your rabbit healthy and happy. Regular check-ups with your vet and a commitment to providing a clean, stress-free environment are key to preventing and managing respiratory infections in rabbits.