Sneezing – White discharge *UPDATE*

[Nara mk]

My rabbit Hazel is sneezing with white discharge, a couple of days ago I saw that her right eye was wet but didn’t know why and she keeps herself well groomed. Today I saw the white discharge. It was really thick and she wouldn’t let me clean her, she doesn’t like to be held. I’m taking her to the vet tonight (the clinic is closed right now) but I thought I’d do some research.

Could the reason be from the wood shavings I use in her litter box? Change in room temperature? Or maybe the Stronghold/Revolution she got on June 6th? I’ve read on the internet that it’s safe for rabbits but I don’t know, after giving it to both rabbits they have deteriorated, maybe not the medication itself but the pain from it is causing these problems?

Anyway, the vet checked Hazel’s ear and said she’s got a bad case of scabies. She has these bumps that are visible on her ears and she said that there’s a lot of them inside as well. She gave her Stronghold and my poor Hazel was making all kind of sounds while licking and scratching, I talked to the vet and she told me it’s normal because her ears are really bad.

Can you guys help me with articles and reliable sources regarding sneezing/white discharge? The vet isn’t knowledgeable when it comes to rabbits and it helps if go prepared. I will ask for a culture and sensitivity test, and ask her what antibiotics she plans on using.

Thanks everyone in advance u.u <3

[Luna]

Is there a more rabbit savvy vet nearby that you could see? The sneezing and discharge are probably both related, but just in case, a more rabbit knowledgeable vet would be better at determining whether or not the sneezing is being caused by one thing and/or if the discharge is being caused by another thing.

I think a lot of vets will first prescribe and try out a general antibiotic (ie. smz) before conducting a C&S test.

[Nara mk]

Posted By Luna on 6/12/2017 11:00 AM

Is there a more rabbit savvy vet nearby that you could see? The sneezing and discharge are probably both related, but just in case, a more rabbit knowledgeable vet would be better at determining whether or not the sneezing is being caused by one thing and/or if the discharge is being caused by another thing.

I think a lot of vets will first prescribe and try out a general antibiotic (ie. smz) before conducting a C&S test.

Unfortunately there’s none, a year ago I got a rabbit who was suffering from a heavy amount of white discharge, poor thing could hardly breathe. I took him to a different vet, they gave him a shot and my poor Cole died an hour later (mind you we were stuck in really hot weather so he could’ve died from a heatstroke. I can’t really tell) but I’m not taking chances.

My only comfort right now is that Hazel isn’t sneezing anymore, and she doesn’t seem like she’s having any trouble breathing. Plus when the discharge came out it wasn’t a lot. So I’m hoping the general antibiotic would work.

[Bam]

Sneezing and white discharge are signs of a bacterial upper respiratory infection. Standard treatment is Baytril, an antibiotic. The bacteria involved can be pasteurella multivitamin, but it can be sth else, f ex bordetella bronchiseptica. Both are sensitive to Baytril (enrofloxazine). There are many other bacteria that can cause “snuffles” in a bunny though.

Usually a vet starts out by prescribing a week’s worth of Baytril, but longer treatment is often required.
It’s advisable to start treatment when symptoms first appear, don’t wait and let the infection get too good a hold.

[Nara mk]

Posted By bam on 6/12/2017 3:21 PM
Sneezing and white discharge are signs of a bacterial upper respiratory infection. Standard treatment is Baytril, an antibiotic. The bacteria involved can be pasteurella multivitamin, but it can be sth else, f ex bordetella bronchiseptica. Both are sensitive to Baytril (enrofloxazine). There are many other bacteria that can cause “snuffles” in a bunny though.

Usually a vet starts out by prescribing a week’s worth of Baytril, but longer treatment is often required.
It’s advisable to start treatment when symptoms first appear, don’t wait and let the infection get too good a hold.

The vet at first said to wait it out, because when we got to the clinic she couldn’t see any discharge and heard nothing weird in her breathing. When we got home there was the discharge again and I panicked, I talked to the vet again and she said she’d give her Baytril for five days. Hazel is still sneezing but not like crazy, and they are tiny “dry” sneezes. I’m hoping for the best.
I’ve got her separated from Ruvik my other bun (same room but Hazel inside a pen that’s covered and secluded to prevent any contact) but I don’t know.
I’m noticing that Ruvik’s nose is wetter than usual, with an occasional heavy sneeze (occasional as in once a day since yesterday). No matting on her forepaws and the hair in the outer edges of her nose are a tad yellow and clumped up when dry. Did she get sick or am I paranoid?? (I have a history of getting paranoid when it comes to my baby buns ?❤)

[Bam]

If Hazel’s discharge is due to Pasteurella, Rubik most likely has those same bacteria in her nasal cavity. Practically all rabbits do. In most bunnies, the immune defense keep the bacterial population in check, but in some rabbits that doesn’t always work and the bacteria can multiply and cause problems.

Are they normally together?

[Nara mk]

Posted By bam on 6/14/2017 3:06 PM

If Hazel’s discharge is due to Pasteurella, Rubik most likely has those same bacteria in her nasal cavity. Practically all rabbits do. In most bunnies, the immune defense keep the bacterial population in check, but in some rabbits that doesn’t always work and the bacteria can multiply and cause problems.

Are they normally together?

Yeah in the same room ever since I got them, although the arrangement has been the same in the past year with Ruvik roaming freely and Hazel in a pen.

[Nara mk]

So the vet changed the antibiotic to Bactrim and the dosage is 6 ml every 12 hrs (she weighs 3.5 kg), said to give her for a week then we will do the culture and sensitivity test (we have to wait because Aramex is closed for holidays and we need them to send the sample to Europe for testing, human labs won’t take the samples around here) She told me we’ll wait for another week after the antibiotc to get a clean sample but I read online that three days would do? Should I insist on three days?

We are on the second day, third dose and I don’t know what to do with myself. Even though I know it’s too early to see a change but I just can’t help feeling worried. White discharge came out again yesterday, and today she started having sneezing fits of 5-6 sneezes at a time (happened twice today) 

[Wick & Fable]

Treating URIs can be a bit of a guessing game and that can be stressful. It’s trial and error with what medication will do the trick, and cultures, if done correctly, can help identify what is effective, which can minimize guessing. If you’re vet is experienced with treating rabbits with URIs, I would go by their judgement. Wick’s vet never does cultures because it takes time and they can be contaminated very easily, so I imagine it’s possible to get a clean culture after three days, but perhaps the likelihood is less.

Wick was treated for a URI for three months. We never did a culture, but trial and errored until we found the right medication combo (third try). Wick had sneeze fits at least once an hour, so I know it can be saddening to see, but you’re taking the right steps towards your rabbit’s recovery.

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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