Respiratory infection? Should I be worried?

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This topic has 9sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 10 months ago by LBJ10.

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- 04/26/2022 at 4:32 AM
  henry2809
  Participant
  160 posts
  Hi everyone, I noticed a few days ago that my 2.5 year old Lionhead’s nose was a bit damp. The discharge was just clear and I could just see it right under his nose. This morning, I saw more of the clear discharge. He is eating, drinking, and pooping normally. I do feel like he is laying down more and he is breathing slightly faster, but it doesn’t seem like he’s having difficulty breathing. I haven’t noticed any sneezing or thick nasal discharge or eye discharge. He did just shed, so I’m wondering if this could be due to an environmental irritant such as fur or dust in the air. It’s also getting warm and humid where I live, so maybe that is contributing? He has a ceiling fan that is on all day for him. I’m wondering if I should keep an eye on him or take him to the vet. Going to the vet is incredibly stressful for him, so I don’t want to take him unless I need to.
- 04/26/2022 at 6:38 AM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5834 posts
  If he is not showing any signs of breathing difficulty and the nasal discharge is very minimal and clear, in addition to normal breathing sounds, appetite, poop, energy, etc., then you can probably just monitor for now– however, if anything observed worsens, then yes you need to go to a rabbit savvy vet. The earlier medication is started for respiratory infections, the better the prognosis (since the infection is weaker and easier to combat).
  
  It is not possible to diagnose nor assess the cause of the discharge based on description, so if anything does seem odd to you and you are concerned, the safest bet would be consulting with a vet who can actually examine your rabbit.
  
  The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
  - 04/26/2022 at 10:01 AM
    henry2809
    Participant
    160 posts
    Thank you! Are respiratory infections generally relatively treatable with a good prognosis? I put my ear next to his nose earlier and I could not hear any wheezing or breathing sounds other than the normal quiet breathing.
  - 04/26/2022 at 10:40 AM
    Wick & Fable
    Moderator
    5834 posts
    Yes, URIs are treatable and have a good prognosis, as long as the veterinarian is rabbit-experienced and understands that not all antibiotics are effective to all bacteria which cause URis (i.e., you may need to try a couple before finding the right one).
    
    The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 04/26/2022 at 10:32 AM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17224 posts
  What does this discharge look like? From what you wrote, it sounds more like condensation.
  - 04/26/2022 at 10:37 AM
    henry2809
    Participant
    160 posts
    It’s completely clear and thin like water.
  - 04/26/2022 at 12:58 PM
    LBJ10
    Moderator
    17224 posts
    And it’s just damp under his nose? If so, then it is likely just condensation from his breath. But if it’s running down onto his lip, then that would suggest an actual nasal discharge… even if it’s clear.
  - 04/26/2022 at 3:58 PM
    henry2809
    Participant
    160 posts
    Yes! It’s just a small little amount right under his nose at the very top of his lip, but it isn’t dripping out of his nose.
  - 04/26/2022 at 7:02 PM
    LBJ10
    Moderator
    17224 posts
    In the absence of other symptoms, I’m going to say condensation then. A little dampness from condensation is normal.
- 04/26/2022 at 10:55 AM
  Samie
  Participant
  5 posts
  My Holland Lop Luci had an URI. She had clear discharge but was also sneezing a lot. The vet gave her an antibiotic to take but after 2 weeks with no improvement, he switched her to a different one and it cleared right up. There are different strains and some will respond to one antibiotic and not the other, but as to not put your bunny through the stress of testing which strain they have, it’s easier to try one antibiotic and if it works great, if not you do the other one.
  
  *If your bun turns up needing antibiotics and does not take to the first one and requires another 2 week treatment I suggest a rabbit probiotic to go along with it. Best of luck!
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