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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Separating bonded buns – one with snuffles

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    • Letitenfoldyou
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        Hey all,

        Below is in relation to our two house rabbits.

        Our 18 month old Lop/nethie bun, Taffety, has just been put on a course of antibiotics by our vet to treat snuffles. 

        Taff has always been a very loud talker with lots of honking snorts, however after the appearance of white pus from his nose the inevitable diagnosis came.

        He and our 4 year old lop, Fudge, are very close and well bonded. On the vets advice however, we have now separated the boys. Fudge doesn’t have any symptoms, however given Taff’s issues with walking dandruff and that Fudge has never displayed issues there either, I suspect his immune system simply is stronger.

        Whilst he is eating and GI doesn’t appear an issue, Fudge has become exceptionally withdrawn and depressed by the separation. Taff appears okay.

        The vet’s reasoning behind the separation is that she doesn’t want Taff and Fudge going round in circles giving each other the infection whilst Taff is fighting it off. From what I read about snuffles being chronic, is this – frankly – just rubbish advise from them? Is it worth us putting Fudge through the grieving his displaying from his apparent loss of Taffety?

        Any advise appreciated on how we could maybe approach this.

        Thank you in advance.


      • Azerane
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          Did he do a culture to determine what strain of pastuerella it was?

          Pastuerella is extremely contagious, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Fudge has already contracted the bacteria from Taffety. It is one of those things however that can remain dormant until the immune system is compromised, or the rabbit stressed etc which is when it causes symptoms. It doesn’t always become chronic if treated early, however it is just one of those things that can recur throughout the life of the rabbit. I’d be worried that Fudge being stressed could lead to him also developing symptoms, however on the chance he hasn’t caught it yet, and you have caught it early, I’d say wait so tha the doesn’t catch it. It’s a tough decision but if you do feel that it’s causing too much stress for Fudge, you can put him back with Taffety, but you may have to start a course of treatment for him as well. I’m honestly not sure if it’s rubbish advice or not.


        • LBJ10
          Moderator
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            Honestly, I don’t think separating them was necessary. If they are really bonded, then the separation might be too stressful. That can’t be good for either one. It is likely both rabbits have whatever bacteria (may not be Pasteurella) and, as you said, Taffety’s immune system was compromised and the bacteria took the opportunity. I wouldn’t worry too much about Fudge. I mean, Wooly has on and off bacteria flareups and Leopold has never displayed symptoms once. I’m sure they both have the bacteria in their sinuses. But with Wooly’s tooth root issues, sometimes the bacteria finds an opportunity to grow and we have to give him antibiotics.


          • LittlePuffyTail
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            18092 posts Send Private Message

              Agreed with LBJ10. It’s likely that they both carry the bacteria if they’ve been living together, grooming each other, eating together, etc. A lot of experts say that most bunnies actually have Pasteurella in their systems but it doesn’t cause problems.

              Separation can cause stress which could further weaken your buns’ immune system.

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          Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Separating bonded buns – one with snuffles