How long can a runny nose last after respiratory infection?

[Waffle65]

About 3 weeks ago my 9 year old Dutch rabbit developed an upper respiratory infection.  He wasn’t sneezing or having runny eyes, just a constantly running nose and a squeaky sound when he breathed.  The vet prescribed two weeks of Baytril, and we went back for a checkup once he finished all the medicine.  The vet gave him the all clear, saying that his breathing sounded great and that the infection was gone, but his nose was still running some.  It was no longer constantly running, but it was wet on and off.  The vet said that it could take some time for all of his snot to drain out even though the infection was gone, so I wasn’t too worried.  It’s been one week now since his followup visit and his nose is still running on and off about the same amount.  He’s breathing still sounds fine and he hasn’t developed any new symptoms.  I also haven’t seem him rubbing at or trying to clean his nose excessively like he was before, and there’s no longer dried snot on the inside of his paws.  Fortunately he’s got his appetite back again and seems to be acting completely normal, but I’m just concerned.  Do you think it’s a problem that this is still happening a week later?

Also, when the vet was examining him she mentioned at he had a few upper teeth that had some mild points on them, so she suggested having them filed down, but obviously waiting until the infection was cleared up.  I know that teeth problems can lead to eye and nose problems, so is it possible his teeth are causing this?  The vet said he’s not in any pain from those teeth, and he’s had no problems eating, but I’m not sure how advanced  any dental problems have to be before causing other symptoms.  He’s scheduled to have these teeth filed down 3 weeks from now, but should this be pushed back if his nose is still running some?

Thanks! 

[Dface]

I have a rabbit that had a nasty pasturella infection and was given the all clear three weeks ago- he has been on and off a nebuliser since then, trying to clear the discharge.
Rabbits dont have a simple nose like ours, they have a complicated structure of cartilidge in it to warm air and help with smell.
Sometimes it takes a while for the mucous to clear from them.
Other times their mucous membranes become hyper sensitive-you might find that his fur, or dust from his hay is causing him to sneeze?

With all that said, you might want to discuss the teeth with the vet, if he needs to be under anesthetic, you’ll want your vet to be very aware of these things! Maybe call one of the days and ask their opinion on it?

[Waffle65]

Thank you! I haven’t heard him sneezing at all since this all began, but I’ve been very careful to try and keep his cage extra clean to avoid any irritants. I’ve also been vacuuming my carpet more just to be safe. Of course the day after I posted the question his nose seemed to clear up quite a bit. I didn’t see it running at all today, but I obviously can’t be with him 24/7, so I don’t if/how much it ran when I wasn’t around. The vet said he will need to be put to sleep for 10-15 minutes to have his teeth filed, and I definitely don’t feel comfortable having that done if he’s still having symptoms. The vet is closed tomorrow, but I will give them a call on Monday and see what they have to say. His teeth are scheduled to be filed 3 weeks from now, so I’m very hopeful his nose will be fine by then. If it’s not, then I will postpone it until the vet can figure out what’s going on with his nose.

[Waffle65]

Thought I would update now that it’s been two weeks since he finished treatment. His nose is still running on and off. He went maybe one day where I didn’t see snot, but there was a good amount coming out tonight. It’s still clear and he still doesn’t have that whistling sound like he originally did. The inside of his paws are also not getting matted with snot again. However I am concerned about how long this is going on, so I’m going to try and get him another vet appointment tomorrow. I’m wondering if maybe his nose if just very sensitive right now and I haven’t done a good enough job cleaning his crate, or it’s something more. I admit, I’ve been a little (ok, a lot) laid back with keeping his stuff really clean this week, but I’ve been in and out of the hospital with my own health issues, and honestly just haven’t had the time or energy. I hope it’s just a sensitivity (although I will feel beyond terrible if it’s my fault), but I don’t wanna let this go in case it is something more serious still.

[Waffle65]

Another update. Saw the vet today. Since the runny nose is only in his right nostril, the vet tried doing a saline flush in his tear duct with his right eye, and she did get a little bit of milky snot and a dried clump to come out. They gave him two weeks worth of metacam, SMZ TMP (an antibiotic), and Cipro eye drops. Hopefully these medicines will do the trick and get him back to normal.

[Author]

Messages