How long does it usually take snuffles to clear with antibiotics?

[BlackVelvet]

My solo free-roam bunny started having symptoms of snuffles over a week ago (he’s 5 and has never had symptoms of it prior to this). I took him to the vet the day following me noticing his symptoms. His eyes cleared with drops within a few days, but his nose has been running since then, even on a steady course of antibiotics (he’s been on them since last Tuesday, so nearly 6 days).

His nose was totally dry Saturday, and I thought we were out of the woods! But yesterday, Sunday, it began running again. Today, it was dry this morning…but then began running again in the afternoon.

I’ve been giving him the oral antibiotic (Septra) twice daily (plus Benebac probiotic once daily on odd days) exactly as instructed. Tomorrow will be his final dose (vet prescribed him a week’s worth). I’m very worried it’s not cleared up and I’m wondering if the “on and off” nose running is a sign he’s recovering…or that he might need another kind of treatment or more treatment. Vet checked him today and said he seems better since last visit and that if it doesn’t clear up, I can bring him back in,  but I’m wondering if I should seek a second opinion, since I’m concerned at the overall lack of progress at this point. He’s otherwise completely fine – eating, drinking, and even flopping as usual. I’d appreciate any insight or advice!

[LBJ10]

Hmm… 7 days is a bit short for a course of antibiotics. Sometimes vets will start out with 7 days, do a re-check, and then decide if they should continue or switch to a different antibiotic. But to just do 7 days and then stop, you run the risk of the bacteria that was being knocked back being able to recover and come back. From my experience, antibiotics have been a minimum of 10 days, but usually 14 days.

If his nose is still running, then he probably needs to be on the antibiotic longer. If he isn’t improving, then you should try a different one. Septra (aka Bactrim) is not always effective for URIs. It’s more commonly used for UTIs and other infections. So it’s possible the bacteria causing his problem isn’t susceptible to it.

[BlackVelvet]

Thank you so much for your informative response! Is there a particular antibiotic that’s considered most effective for upper respiratory infections? I’m also concerned at the short course of antibiotics. My vet also noted something about not wanting to risk stasis by prescribing beyond a week (initially) but it looks my bunny will definitely need longer than a week.

Also, is there anything particular I can do to help his recovery in the meantime? Or anything I should avoid? I’ve been vacuuming/cleaning his play really thoroughly since he started showing symptoms but if there’s anything else you’d recommend I do or shouldn’t due during his recovery period, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

[LBJ10]

Baytril is commonly prescribed for URIs. Unfortunately, it’s a guessing game when it comes to antibiotics. You don’t know what bacteria is causing the problem or what it is sensitive to. Cultures are possible, but they aren’t usually something that is done right away (and they aren’t always reliable). Typically, a vet will prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic. If the bunny isn’t getting better, then it isn’t usual for a vet to decide to try a different antibiotic (usually from a different class, still broad-spectrum). I had a bunny that had chronic sinus issues. For whatever reason, Azithromycin is what worked for him. But your bunny (or so I say your bunny’s bacteria) could be different. If one antibiotic doesn’t work, then it’s best to try another to see what works.

Cleaning doesn’t hurt. If he is congested, you could try some humidity.

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