Hello All,
I’m new to binkybunny and new to being a bunny mummy and would appreciate any helpful advice.
Background:
I have two beautiful bunnies (Boris and Ruari 3 1/2 months) who are fully vaccinated, eat a healthy diet of unlimited alfalfa hay (will change to Timothy once 6 months old), junior 25% fibre pellets (makes up 5% of diet) and fresh vegetables (makes up 15% of diet and they love pak choi and coriander).
The bunnies are kept indoors and have a cage with attached pen set up in my living room (6x8ft). They have free run of the kitchen and living room every morning, evening, weekend and two weekdays. They are locked in the cage and pen during the day of three weekdays I have to work from my office. The room is well ventilated. They will move to their very own bunny room once the flooring arrives next week (10x14ft)!
On set of clinical signs:
Three days ago I noticed that one of my bunnies, Boris, started sneezing. This wasn’t constant but he would have a few sneezing fits throughout the day. On inspection, I noticed he had a bit of hay on his nose (they seem to like showering in the stuff) and I thought the sneezing must have been caused by the strand irritating him.
The sneezing didn’t subside, however, and yesterday morning when I woke up, I noticed Boris had a clear, very thin, discharge coming from his nose. I immediately booked him in with the vet for a same day appointment and have since started him on a 10 day course of antibiotics. I should add, I have a very rabbit savvy vet who is actually the leading vet for all the bunny sanctuaries/rescues in my area.
My question are:
Could this be an allergy from a bad batch of hay or is it more likely the start of a respiratory infection?
If it is a respiratory infection, does this mean he definitely has snuffles? As he has been treated very early, could this prevent a chronic infection developing?
I had booked Boris and Ruari in to be desexed at the end of this month but this has now been cancelled on my vets advice, until Boris is feeling better. Are there any contraindications for having a bunny with snuffles desexed?
Any general advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated. I would like to be fully prepared, so I can plan for all of his welfare needs. I love my bunnies and when I took them on, I did so in the knowledge that I would give them the best quality of life they could have regardless of the cost. I know I’m probably being a little premature but I feel like a worried mummy who needs to know all the facts.
Boris is still eating normally and is being his usual cheeky and binkying-self.
Thank you in advance and if you need to know any more information, please ask