sneezing

[melissact]

 

Ernie has been sneezing up a storm–it actually sorts more like repeated snorting.  He continues to eat and drink normally, and his urinating and pooping has stayed the same.  He is also acting as alert as ever, and has been quite the little explorer. I’m concerned because he sometimes sneezes many, many times in a row; last night I counted him sneezing seventeen times in a row.  Then he would wash his face, then sneeze some more, then wash his face.  He has a tiny bit of mucus occassionally when he sneezes, but not otherwise.  His front feet are not matted with moisture.

He will often go for long periods in between sneezing bouts (hours). 

I think it might be the hay we gave him for about a week–we got in a shipment of Oxbow Western Timothy, and it was basically pulverized hay.  Very short pieces, shards and dust everywhere.  I have replaced it with Oxbow Orchard Grass, which is much less dusty, but he doesn’t seem to like it as much.

The sneezing bout last night caused me to be worried he had the snuffles; I called the vet today and she’s out until April 1.  I can try taking him to another rabbit specialist vet, but apparently many will be out next week.  Should I wait it out, because he is otherwise acting normally, or should I try to find an emergency vet?  Any ideas?

[MarkBun]

If there is discharge from the sneezing then he should go see a vet. My bun has a sneezing fit about once a day but it is just a combination of her allergies and my terrible housekeeping habits.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hi  Melissa, what color is the discharge?  Daffodil has the same symptoms from her allergies to dusty hay.  A few preventative things I have do are vacuum the cage, shake the hay outside to get out dust and there is a small air purifier by the cage.  Also, are there any scented oils, candles, carpet freshners, perfume etc. that could also be the culprit?

I would say if the discharge is any color but clear, take him for a vet visit and also have his teeth checked.  Does he have discharge from the eyes?  We have another member with a weeping eye issue and they wipe the face with a damp, warm cloth and rub between the eyes.

[BunnyLugs]

Just read your post after just posting mine. That is really interesting my two have the exact same symptoms AND their eyes are dry too. Keep me posted on what happens and I’ll keep in touch with you. It can be quite scary when they do snort alot.

[MarkBun]

Actually, have them taken to a vet even if the discharge is clear. There is a mixed consensus about whether or not the color of the discharge really means anything and I’d rather err on the side of caution.

[melissact]

It being Easter weekend, we can’t seem to find any vets specializing in rabbit care who are around. He has continued sneezing, with no eye discharge, and continues to be alert and binkying. It looks as if we’ll have to wait this out a few days before we can find someone to assess his symptoms. We are keeping a sharp eye on his eating and drinking habits. Thanks for the help you guys. I’ll let you know what the vet says as soon as we can find one.

[MimzMum]

Mimzy does this on occasion too, and I had my vet check him. Nothing physically wrong. I had to watch carefully to see what it was I was introducing into his environment that would start him off: most of the time it was either his bedding or, surprisingly, the dust from his pellets! Only his upper lip just under his nostrils would be damp. But that poor little boy would be a’splodin’ for what seemed like an eternity and it scared me to death!

I sure hope your bun is doing better! Please keep us updated!

[melissact]

MimzMum, thanks for sharing. We’re trying not to overreact, because last time we did, the vet said there was nothing wrong with him, although we were sure he had ear mites and pasturella and any variety of nasty things. I’m pretty sure our vet is used to freaked out new owners. On the other hand, we don’t want to *under*react, either. It’s a balancing act that we’re just learning. Sigh.

[BunnyLugs]

I totally agree. Best to er on the side of caution, however, it isn’t necessarily an emergency. Just get them in as soon as you can in vet opening hours, no need to call a vet out or anything extreme. Most probably some anti-biotics will do the trick!

[Gravehearted]

it very well could be the hay – but it is always a safer bet to get it checked out. i am glad you’re getting him in to be checked out just in case.

[melissact]

Just a follow-up–Ernie was in to see the vet, and she says it’s just allergies. After all, the cherry blossoms are in bloom here. He’s actually sneezing much less now. He was also neutered the day before yesterday. She kept him overnight to keep an eye on him, and it was actually surprisingly really hard to be away from him. I can’t believe that two and a half months ago, we didn’t even know him!

[osprey]

Yay Ernie!  Glad he is OK.  Of my three bunnies, they all sneeze occasionally but Curly Sue sneezes alot.  She is a rex, with a really pointy face, and I think the shape of her head has something to do with it too.

 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

yeah!! That’s great news!! Your neuter went well and he’s just got allergies!

[melissact]

Kokaneeandkahlua, yes, it’s true, but let’s not refer to it as “my” neuter please–the mere thought gives me the willies!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

LOL sorry!! I didn’t read that!!

[carrie]

my new dwarf bunny sweetie(we just got her aug 13) has been having watery eyes and sometime when shes eating or in beeing grooming she make this like stuffy nose noise i really dont want to take her to the vet i didnt know if it was allergies because shes been playing under my bed

[Author]

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