Runny Nose/Mouth leaving substantial puddles

[Cheeto]

Mister Cheeto is a 5 year old holland lop. He lives cage free with chronic ear infections (as many do), but otherwise, bill of health has been clear. 

This current health issue has been going on for over a year, and we aren’t able to get to the bottom of it with the help of our vet team (who are amazing might I add). 

It started when we found fairly large puddles around the house where he had been sitting. They were clear, and range from approximately 2-3 inches in diameter. We originally thought perhaps it was urine, but ruled that out. 

About 6 months or so, we finally realized it was coming from his face, although not sure if it’s his nose or mouth. He has never had any teeth problems thus far. 

The issue is that it seems to come and go. He will go through times when there are no wet spots or face to be found for weeks, and then it gets bad again. Right now, he is leaving the largest puddles he has ever left. He is still toileting, eating and drinking well. Temperment is good as well.

He does sneeze occasionally, with me personally witnessing 2-3 per day on average. It’s my understanding that if he had pasturella, the discharge would be thick, not clear, and that he would be sneezing uncontrollably. We have tried to get a sample to Culture and Sensitivity, but it’s hard to get a sterile sample from a bun. The vet has even attempted to install saline in an attempt to induce a squeeze to gather a sample. The last stop is to sedate him and get a head XRAY to rule out teeth issues but otherwise, we’re coming up blank. 

Has anyone experienced anything similar that can offer some insight? 

Thank you in Advance, 

Concerned Bun Parents Cory and Daphne 

[Bam]

Teeth issues is the first thing that comes to mind when a bunny is drooling. It’s really weird that it comes and goes though. And it’s weird that he’s got a good appetite. has his food preferences changed at all? Some dental buns avoid hay and other tough food, some avoid pellets.

[Azerane]

I’d be looking at teeth issues too. If teeth issues can be anything like a person’s, the pain may come and go at times which is why he may be drooling sometimes, but not others. Have you seen him when it is occuring? Is he acting normal or is he “spaced out”, because my other thought is perhaps a type of seizure or something similar where he just stops and it results in drooling until he snaps out of it. But that’s just a wild guess.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I think a Head Xray is probably a good idea. That would rule out any dental or sinus abnormalities.

[Author]

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