Grunting? Maybe sneezing? (wet nose and audible breathing)

[Otti]

Just now Sammy was behind the blinds and I went over there calling to him, and he made three or
four short noises that sounded like grunts or guttural burps. He was also licking his reflection in the window pane. Is it possible he thinks his reflection is another bunny and was grunting at it even though he’s neutered? First time I hear him make this sound never a dull day in bunnyland lol

[jerseygirl]

He may have want to be left alone with his buddy… lol.  Jersey started this around 5-6 months old and I was surprised to hear it. Even long, long after her spay she still does this so I know it’s part of how she communicates. If it’s totally out of the norm for Sammy, just keep watch he isn’t hiding any ailment. It depends on whether you think it is aggressive-like or not. When shedding, rabbits can get touchy.
I do think it is something they can learn to use though if it got the desired response. i.e. I growl/grunt – I got put down to floor.

edit: I suppose it could be honking too.

[Otti]

Yeah I think you’re right, he was probably saying “Can’t you see I’m trying to have a moment alone behind the blinds with my reflection bunny” lol. He scampered off away from me when I came over, and he didn’t run away the next time I went to see what he was up to back there but he also didn’t make the sound again.

[Otti]

Hmmm now I noticed his nose is wet (clear watery discharge) and i can hear him breathing sometimes when he’s sitting by me. Maybe those noises were sneezes? I’m leaving for Italy next Wednesday and he’s staying witha friend for two weeks, so I need to make sure he’s healthy before I go. I’ll try to go see a vet tomorrow….

[Elrohwen]

Some sneezing is normal, but I agree with you and would take him to the vet for a wet nose, even if it’s clear. At least that way you don’t have to worry about him while you’re gone!

[Otti]

Well, now his nose is back to normal this morning, and he’s been acting 100% the whole time. No real sneezing (he sneezed today right after I touched his nose to check it though). I think the grunting was actually grunting…

I still made an appointment with the bunny specialist on Sunday so I’ll take him there on my way to taking him to my friend’s house who is going to look after him while I’m gone. Better safe than sorry and he needed his nails clipped again anyways

[cactuspancake]

My vet says that wet nose is really bad! You should totally get a checkup to be sure!

[GrumpyBun]

No harm (and maybe a lot of good) in checking – hope all is well with Sammy!

[Elrohwen]

Cactus – a wet nose isn’t a good sign, but as long as it’s clear and not constant it’s usually not a sign of serious issues (usually! it still might be worth checking out). If it’s wet all the time and especially if there is “snot” then it’s more likely to be a bad sign.

My bunnies have damp noses – if they touch me with their noses it feels a little damp. This is normal.

Just wanted to clear some things up in case there are other people reading whose bunnies have damp noses 😉

[Otti]

Just to keep everyone posted, Sammy only had the wet nose for a few hours on the 16th, and it hasn’t re-occurred. I brought him to the vet yesterday for a checkup and the vet gave him a clean bill of health. He’s now 4 pounds 4 ounces and unlikely she said to get much bigger

Right after the vet, I brought him over to my friend Sharon’s house, where he will be staying while I go home to Milan for the holidays (about 2 weeks). I was SO sad to leave him, much more than I anticipated, but apparently he didn’t feel the same way because luckily, he was immediately eating/pooping/peeing normally and exploring. I think it’s from his prior life on the streets that he’s had to be so adaptable LOL

Anyways, I am leaving on Wednesday but I gave my friend who is looking after Sammy this website (in addition to extensive vet info and instructions about Sammy’s care) so that if she has any minor questions or is wondering if she should be worried about something, she might be able to ask you guys. Thanks in advance for any possible help you guys might give if she needs it

Oh and to clarify, she also obviously has all my info to contact me while I’m abroad lol

ciao!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Great news! Have fun

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