How urgent is this for a vet to see?

[LuluRabbit]

Hi! Sorry, I feel like I’ve been posting a lot because Theo just came home and there’s been a few unexpected things I never encountered with my 4 year old Alfredo.

I’m concerned because he is sneezing (maybe once or twice an hour) and has a runny nose (matted wet fur, maybe whitish around nostrils). I’ve been reading so much about pasteurella/allergies/snuffles – I called my regular vet and the assistant said that the soonist they can see him is Friday afternoon. (symptoms started Monday evening – at least the sneezing). When I told them I could go to another exotic vet 24hr ER, they told me that two days wouldn’t make a difference since Theo seems to be mild so far. But I’ve read so many things about how this can become chronic if not treated soon enough. My vet is supposed to be reputable (they do all the neuters for the local shelter and are well-respected) but the exotic ER that I called recommended I come within 24 hours. I’m just not sure who to trust on how urgent this is. I would rather go to his normal vet (easier followups, less in-car wait time so less stress for him, and less driving) but obviously his health is the priority. Thanks!

Here are the answers to the health question form:

Maintenance and Housing
Indoor bun, separate room from other bun. He exercises in a play pen so far. Clean litter box every 2 days.

Spay/Neuter
Not neutered, he is 8 weeks old.

Pooping and Diet 
Timothy and alfalfa hay mix
Unlimited small pet select pellets
No veggies

He is eating and pooping normally, though there are some uneaten caecotrophs.

Illness & Symptoms
How long have you had this bunny? 3 days
In a few words, can you explain the symptoms? Runny nose (matted and wet/whitish fur around nose) and occasional sneezing. No audible breathing sound.

How long ago did you first notice these symptoms? Since the first evening he arrived
Have you consulted a vet? Appointment on Friday
Was your bunny physically ill or injured when you got them? I didn’t notice anything when we picked him up!
How has its behavior and appearance changed, if at all? He’s running around normally and seems like a normal baby. He jumps and flops and sleeps and is really squirmy and hard to pick up when I try to check his nose condition!

[HipHopBunny]

I understand your concern. Did you consult your vet about a possible respiratory infection? The only thing that makes me doubt that, is that you say his breathing isn’t audible. If he starts looking up though, call your vet immediately. When rabbits look up it means that they are having trouble breathing.  I would just watch him closely, and see if he is worsening, see how quickly.

Take a deep breath, he will most likely be okay in the end. 🙂

[Wick & Fable]

If he has an upper respiratory infection, a couple days won’t make too much of a difference based on the current phase of symptoms. If he was having difficulty breathing, then yes, ASAP is definitely best, but at this stage it should be OK to wait a couple days until the vet appointment.

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.

[LuluRabbit]

Thank you for the info! It seems it’ll be ok to wait a bit then – I will definitely keep an eye out for any difficulty breathing. I haven’t heard any whistling or breathing noise so he seems like he’s breathing fine. I did mention I was worried about upper respiratory infection when I talked to the reception, so everything seems in line with what I’ve been told.

[Author]

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