Breathing Problem?

[chloeeliz04]

Hi, my rabbit, Dobby, recently seems to be breathing slower and heavier than what I have noticed. He also has had a runny nose and been sneezing a few times, but that hasn’t been that concerning to me because he’s been doing that for a while. It’s his breathing I’m concerned about. Should I take him to the vet, or is he just relaxed? Any advice? Please help! (Note: it also seems to look more aggressive in person it doesn’t really look as labored as it is on video.) <video controls=”controls” width=”300″ height=”150″>
<source src=”https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j0m-f2BCKv1-pQ7CddRPmGFO00As_V9y/view&#8221; /></video>

[jerseygirl]

Hello

The link to the video didnt work, Is there another “sharing” link?

Has Dobby been assessed for the running nose/ sneezing before?  Does he have clear discharge or is it opaque?

I do think a vet visit would be wise because there is always a risk of a respiratory infection moving in deeper and causing pneumonia.

 

[LBJ10]

When bunnies are flopped, sometimes their breathing looks more exaggerated. If you are concerned, then you should take your bunny to the vet. I agree with Jersey. A possible URI isn’t considered a HUGE emergency, but if your bunny has unexplained sneezing/runny nose then you shouldn’t let that fester.

[chloeeliz04]

Ok thank you. He hasn’t been assessed for the runny nose or sneezing before and the his snot is clear. Here’s another clip of the video, sorry about that! <video controls=”controls” width=”300″ height=”150″>
<source src=”https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yLxk5zqhOXPA_wLrAioCDS92Ob0nSgOY/view?usp=sharing&#8221; /></video>

[Bam]

I looked at your video now. (Had to download it in order for it to show). It doesnt look too dramatic to me. I do agree with LBJ though, a respiratory infection in a rabbit is typically caused by bacteria and should be treated so it doesbt get the chance to spread to the lungs or ears (it’s all connected in there). The fact that his snot is clear is a good sign though. Can you hear any nasal wheezing when he breathes? Is he eating and pooping like he should? Is there any matted fur on his cheeks or front paws? (This happens when a bun is snotty and frequently rubs his face with his paws so the fur cakes up with snot). How often does he sneeze?

[chloeeliz04]

Sometimes I can hear wheezing but typically only when we pick him up. When he is just sitting and laying down normal you can barely hear it. He is eating just as much as he usually does, but less pooping than usual. No matted fur that I can tell but he does have a wet, runny nose. He probably only sneezes a couple of times a day so it’s not over and over again but I saw online that it said that sneezing is not a normal thing for rabbits, so I’m unsure if that is a bad sign or not. Thank you guys for all the help 🙂

[Bam]

Occasional sneezing is not a bad thing, it’s often hay dust. Sneezing more or less every day, several times per day is not good. Combined with a wet, runny nose and wheezing breathing sounds when he’s under some stress (being picked up is always cause a bit of stress in buns), I think it’d be good to schedule a vet visit. An uncomplicated URI can be cured with a week -10 days of antibiotics.

If your hay is dusty, you can reduce dust by emptying the hay bag out on a bed sheet or something similar, then gather up the hay again and throw out the remaining chaff. Some buns are especially sensitive to dusty hay.

[chloeeliz04]

Ok thank you so much! I will take him to the vet just to be sure 🙂

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