My Rabbit Is Breathing Oddly?

[Jackie237]

Hello everyone,

So, I am not totally sure if this is a breathing problem, but I’ve observed for about almost a day now (night to morning) that my rabbit has been moving oddly while breathing.

To clarify, she has been eating, drinking, playing around, etc, like her usual self. I don’t hear any noise/wheezing or anything while she breathes. This is different from rapid breathing, because it looks like she sways/rocks very slightly back and forth while breathing. Should this be a concern?

It’s hard to describe, but the best description I can give is that she sways/rocks back and forth (while breathing) just like after a rabbit has done a lot of running or exercise…however, it’s very slow and not rapid.

It’s not easy to tell unless she’s laying down or sitting still, then I could see her body rock very slightly forwards and backwards. 

Does anyone have a clue on what this could be?

Thank you

[LongEaredLions]

If you have any concerns with how she is breathing, I would take her in for a vet visit, especially if this is a recent development.
Is there any way you could post a video? It might help us in telling you what it could be.

[Jackie237]

My rabbits just had their check ups quite recently a few weeks ago, but I’m just checking here if anyone knows if this is serious before I take her back.

Do I just post a link to the video?

Thanks

[LongEaredLions]

You can link to the video.
Without knowing exactly what it is, nobody can tell you exactly how serious this is, but it is always better to be safe than sorry if your rabbit experiences a sudden change in behavior.
My only ideas are that it could be something like a respiratory infection. Another thing I have heard is this can be a symptom of heart issues (although I am not entirely sure if that is true).

[Jackie237]

Here you go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf5iTiHvS1s&list=UUpZcLTmUZKTbiPje2wwtTWQ

Any idea on what this could be  ?

Yes, you’re right, and I tried calling the vet, but I won’t see our vet until a week and a half from now because she’s currently out on a family emergency. I’m just currently worried about my rabbit, so I’m just wondering if you or anyone have an idea of this could be something I should be really concerned with. 

[longhairmike]

how old is she?

how long ago did it start (days? weeks?) has it gotten more pronounced since then?
if it’s not getting progressively worse day by day, then she should be okay until the checkup, but i STRONGLY suggest you get a chest xray to see if their is anything going on in the lungs

[Sarita]

I honestly don’t see anything in that video…

[Jackie237]

She’s 3 years old and it started about two days ago. Well, it has stayed the same until now, and hasn’t gotten more pronounced or anything, she just won’t go back to normal.

[Jackie237]

When comparing her to the other rabbits, my household and I can see the difference when she’s sitting still – her body moves/sways more. Plus, she never was like this, and it just started happening, so I am not sure what this could be?

If you watch carefully, her body kind of rocks back and forth….and I’ve never seen this for the two years I’ve had her, or from any of her other rabbit housemates. It just started a few days ago, so I am just paranoid something could be wrong with her breathing or lungs, possibly…

[jerseygirl]

I can see the subtle rocking motion you are talking about. Could be from fast breathing. It looks like she’s on alert or just had a sprint.
Is it particularly warm right now?

[hannaroo]

Had she just been running about beforehand, any loud noises or anything that could’ve startled her or is it like this all the time? Suri breathes like this when she’s scared or just done a few laps aroun the house or garden but not during resting.
I would DEFINATLY get a check up with the vet if it’s consistent just to be sure x

[Jackie237]

We keep the AC running in the house, so it’s always about 70 F/ 21 C

Usually all my rabbits look like this after exercising or from being frightened by a loud noise, but she has been like this for 2 days non-stop. 

[Jackie237]

No, she hasn’t been running or gotten startled by anything. It’s just very abnormal because her breathing is like this only after she has been racing around. But it has just stayed like this. Her appetite and personality is the same, so I am confused on if she will be okay until we can reach our vet…or this is more of an emergency. 

[Sarita]

‘m sorry this is so confusing and frustrating for you – I don’t think I or anyone would be comfortable telling you it isn’t an emergency or not – can you call your vet’s office and speak with them?

[Jackie237]

I probably have to go find a new vet, since the only vet in right now are for dogs, and there is only one exotic/pocket pet vet, but she won’t be back for a while. Just worried if my bunny will be okay until than. Thank you all very much for your help!

[ChubAndOat]

Hi, I know this post is old so I’m hoping someone will check it. My bunny is having similar behavior. She’s eating, drinking, pooping, and playing like her usual self, but does seem to be swaying a bit when breathing. I was wondering if you ever took your baby to the vet and what they said.

[DanaNM]

Hi @ChubAndOat, welcome to the forum! Because this thread is about 10 years old, it’s very unlikely that you will get a reply from the OP. I recommend starting a new topic with the info about your bunny, and active members can reply there.

If your bunny is showing signs of altered breathing (especially during rest) I definitely recommend having her checked by a vet.

I’m going to lock this thread to avoid confusion.

. . . 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.  

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