Rabbits been sneezing with white discharge for months, but no other symptoms

[Rabbits27]

Hey everyone, 

Our rabbit has been sneezing with occasional white discharge (maybe a few times a week) for what is at least 7 months. We say at least 7 months because my wife volunteered at the shelter 7 months ago and he had these symptoms. We adopted him about 3 months ago and they are still the same symptoms. We’re assuming he had them in between that time, and most likely before then as well. 

Anyways, he has absolutely no other symptoms, is super happy and chipper, doesn’t make any weird breathing sounds, no eye infections, super eager to eat.

We’ve taken him to the vet twice and both times they were surprised at the symptoms, considering that in most cases a true upper respiratory infection would have gotten worse over these months. He’s been on chloramphenicol twice now, and his symptoms didn’t change whatsoever. 

Has anyone experienced this? We think he might be allergic to timothy hay, or maybe just the air in general (we live in Texas and there’s a lot of strange allergens in the air). We’ve read that it’s rare for white snot to be a result of allergies, but it seems strange that he hasn’t gotten any worse over all this time. 

Thanks!

[NataliaT]

Hello! My rabbit that most recently passed away had this issue. From my understanding, it was called the “snuffles” and doesn’t necessarily show signs of progressively worse illness until it might be too late. For my bunny, it was a bit more complicated however what the vet did tell me was that they may sometimes mask their symptoms until they really cannot hide it any longer. (survival technique). My advice would to be to go to a specialized vet if you haven’t already. When my buns became ill I took her to a generalized vet that also dealt with rabbits- big mistake! I ended up going to a university veterinary clinic which specializes in exotic animals. They were much more helpful and knowledgable. Give that a try and if not becauseI know visits can be pricey, just monitor your rabbit closely. Also, avoid shavings with dust ! this may cause irritation for your buns . And remember that a clean cage is always essential to good health best of luck!

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