Respiratory problems in rabbits can be serious.The seriousness is due to the fact that rabbits only breathe through their noses.A blocked up nose can lead to rapidly declining health.A rabbit owner needs to be aware of the signs that their rabbit has a respiratory problem.If the rabbit's health is in question, the owner should seek veterinary attention.
Step 1: Look for the discharge from the nose.
Snuffles is a disease that causes upper respiratory tract infections with a nasal discharge.The discharge from the nostrils is called the pasteurella discharge.The discharge can be any color.Many rabbits have Pasteurella in their respiratory tract, which is a cause of ill health.When the rabbit's immune system is suppressed, it only makes it sick when it is stressed, exposed to poor food, or treated with steroids.
Step 2: When breathing, pay attention to the noises that are congested.
This is caused by the mucus in the passageways.It is accompanied by a discharge, sneezing, and coughing.
Step 3: The face and paws are dirty.
The discharge from the nose is smeared over the fur of the rabbit.The face and paws are dirty.A sick rabbit might neglect its grooming regime.If your rabbit's coat is dull and unkempt, you should be suspicious.
Step 4: Take a look at the rabbit's eyes.
The rabbit's eyes can be affected by the infections.The rabbit might have a discharge from its eyes.The discharge is thick and white.
Step 5: Be on the lookout for unusual head tilts.
In some cases, the ear infections are caused by the bacterium that travels from the throat up into the Ear.The rabbit develops a head tilt due to this.
Step 6: Look for a change in posture.
If the rabbit is having a lot of breathing difficulty, it may adopt a posture with an exaggerated straight neck and head.This allows the rabbit to get more air in.
Step 7: There is a change in appetite.
This is a serious problem because sick rabbits don't eat.If your rabbit isn't eating, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible.There is a chance that a rabbit's life can be in danger very quickly.
Step 8: Make sure your rabbit's cage is clean.
Husbandry can play a part, because a rabbit that is not cleaned out regularly is exposed to high levels of ammonia, which when breathed in weakens the immunity of the respiratory tract and leaves it open to infections.Inhaling cigarette smoke can cause irritation and inflammation in the lungs.
Step 9: Take your rabbit to the doctor.
A stethoscope will be used to listen to the rabbit's chest.He or she will also check the heart for a murmur, since heart problems can lead to fluid build up in the lungs, and listen for crackles and wheezes.The vet can listen to the rabbit's windpipe to see if the noise is louder from the head end or the chest.If this is an upper or lower respiratory tract problem, this helps the vet decide.Respiratory problems that affect the lungs include infections, pneumonia, heart disease, cancer, and smoke inhalation.The upper portion of the tract above the lungs is known as the windpipe.Inhaled foreign bodies, such as straw, are a problem here.
Step 10: Discuss additional testing with your doctor.
It will allow your vet to get a specific diagnosis.Depending on what type of treatment the vet suggests, this may or may not be necessary.The rabbit may be put on an x-ray plate if the problem is in the lungs.The picture of the lungs can show inflammation, fluid build up, tumors, or infections.If the problem is in the upper respiratory tract, the vet may clean the nose.The sample will be sent to the lab for culture and sensitivity.The bugs grow and help the vet choose which antibiotic to use to kill the infection.In complex cases, the vet may x-ray the rabbit's skull to look for complicating factors, such as tooth roots that are growing up into the nose or an obstruction in the inner ear.
Step 11: Follow your doctor's suggestions.
Antibiotics are usually used in treatment.The rabbit's gut can easily be damaged by antibiotics.If your rabbit is on the medication, be sure to give it plenty of fresh hay and water and take it to the vet at the first sign of a problem.There is a belief that pasteurellosis may be over diagnosed and that otherbacteria may also cause infections.If the bug is not sensitive to the antibiotic used to treat pasteurellosis, this difference could be important.