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Breathing fast

C

ChristyRose

Alpha Buck
I've noticed that Jasmine seems to be breathing fast as though she is panting and her nose is constantly twitching when she does this. She is eating and washing herself and Jake and seems to be quite active. I've made an appointment for the vets but its not till 5.10pm. I dont think its normal as she dosnt normally do this. Does anyone know what could be wrong?
 
She could be warmer than usual or there could be something stressing her. As long as she is eating, drinking and behaving otherwise normally, you should be fine waiting till 5pm.
 
My Boris has snuffles and the first symptom he displayed was increased breathing rate, followed by coughing & sneezing. I'd definitely get her looked at by a vet. Stuff like that can be hard to get rid of if left untreated for very long :(
 
Just got back from the vets and he listened to her chest and it is noisy but because she is still eating and quite active he thinks it is more likely to be an allergy to something but has given her antibiotics just incase. So, now I am worried about where they live. Last winter I put them in the summer house but this winter I have put their hutch in the bike shed for shelter. It has been difficult keeping the rain out as during the day I have to leave the door open for access. So, I think there might be a damp atmosphere in there. I thought their bedding was staying dry. At night when I close the door there are gaps around the edge which I thought was giving them ventilation but obviously not enough.
I dont know how everyone else copes with outside hutches but I think I am going to put them back in the summerhouse.
Jacks-Jane, yes she is a rex. Why?
 
ChristyRose said:
Just got back from the vets and he listened to her chest and it is noisy but because she is still eating and quite active he thinks it is more likely to be an allergy to something but has given her antibiotics just incase. So, now I am worried about where they live. Last winter I put them in the summer house but this winter I have put their hutch in the bike shed for shelter. It has been difficult keeping the rain out as during the day I have to leave the door open for access. So, I think there might be a damp atmosphere in there. I thought their bedding was staying dry. At night when I close the door there are gaps around the edge which I thought was giving them ventilation but obviously not enough.
I dont know how everyone else copes with outside hutches but I think I am going to put them back in the summerhouse.
Jacks-Jane, yes she is a rex. Why?
Click to expand...


Because rapid breathing can also be indicative of a heart problem and Rexes are prone to Heart Disease. All cases I have seen initially presented with just increased respiratory rate, in all other ways the Rabbit appeared to be 'well'. If your Rabbit does not improve after the course of antibiotics I would discuss the possibility of Heart problems with your Vet.
 
:( I didnt know that about rexes. I know they have sensitive hocks not not heart problems. I have 4 rexes. Is it a genetic thing or is there anything I can do to prevent them having problems? Is it something they are born with or do they develop problems later in life? I have another appointment booked for next Friday to see if it clears up with the antibiotics and a change in housing. She'll be 3 in the spring. I hope shes okay.
 
ChristyRose said:
:( I didnt know that about rexes. I know they have sensitive hocks not not heart problems. I have 4 rexes. Is it a genetic thing or is there anything I can do to prevent them having problems? Is it something they are born with or do they develop problems later in life? I have another appointment booked for next Friday to see if it clears up with the antibiotics and a change in housing. She'll be 3 in the spring. I hope shes okay.
Click to expand...


IME it is usually a problem that occurs in Rexes that are from a very in-bred line.
 
I dont know anything about their breeding line as I got all of them from people who didnt want them anymore not breeders. Do you think it might be a allergy? Do you think changing her living conditions might help? Lots of people keep their rabbits outside in hutches and hers is in a bike shed for extra protection. They have a lovely run out there. I dont know what to do.
 
ChristyRose said:
I dont know anything about their breeding line as I got all of them from people who didnt want them anymore not breeders. Do you think it might be a allergy? Do you think changing her living conditions might help? Lots of people keep their rabbits outside in hutches and hers is in a bike shed for extra protection. They have a lovely run out there. I dont know what to do.
Click to expand...

Ventilation is important, so if the shed is poorly ventilated that may be an issue. I dont know if the problem is an allergy, allergic asthma can occur.

I would follow your Vet's advice and then go back for the check-up next week :)
 
Sorry if this sounds silly but how do you know if a shed has got good ventilation? There are small gaps around the doors and I thought this would be enough in the winter. I didnt want it to be draughty for them but do you think I should drill holes just under the roof. Their hay is all dry and so is their bedding. Cant find any mould spores. I could cut a window out of one of the walls but again I didnt want it to get cold and draughty in there.
The other alternative is to house them in the summer house and nick abit of the chickens run for the rabbits. Is it a good idea to have rabbits and chickens side by side?
 
ChristyRose said:
Sorry if this sounds silly but how do you know if a shed has got good ventilation? There are small gaps around the doors and I thought this would be enough in the winter. I didnt want it to be draughty for them but do you think I should drill holes just under the roof. Their hay is all dry and so is their bedding. Cant find any mould spores. I could cut a window out of one of the walls but again I didnt want it to get cold and draughty in there.
The other alternative is to house them in the summer house and nick abit of the chickens run for the rabbits. Is it a good idea to have rabbits and chickens side by side?
Click to expand...


Personally I would not want to keep the two species in the same environment

Ventilation needs to allow a good air exchange without allowing actual drafts or damp. Ventilation Grates, like those fitted to external walls of houses, would work. Or small windows that can be left very slightly open.

Is she still breathing fast ?
 
Yes. She just keeps sitting outside. It is so worrying. :( I keep thinking that the vet would have listened to her heart yesterday - wouldnt he? When I gave her, her antibiotics this morning she struggled (expected), so I wrapped her in a towel. When I put her back in her run she just sat there breathing fast. Usually she'd run off as she can be abit skittish and dosnt like being held. She is eating and washing though which is good. Because I dont know whats wrong I dont know how to remedy the situation which is hard. Its just a waiting game. If its her enviroment that is causing her the problem then I need to move her or adapt it.
 
ChristyRose said:
Yes. She just keeps sitting outside. It is so worrying. :( I keep thinking that the vet would have listened to her heart yesterday - wouldnt he? When I gave her, her antibiotics this morning she struggled (expected), so I wrapped her in a towel. When I put her back in her run she just sat there breathing fast. Usually she'd run off as she can be abit skittish and dosnt like being held. She is eating and washing though which is good. Because I dont know whats wrong I dont know how to remedy the situation which is hard. Its just a waiting game. If its her enviroment that is causing her the problem then I need to move her or adapt it.
Click to expand...

I think you need to get her seen again today. She may need additional medication as well as the antibiotics. I honestly dont think this can wait til the follow-up appointment next week.

I am concerned that she *might* actually have pneumonia. If she has a build up of fluid on her lungs she will need a diuretic to shift it. Otherwise her breathing will get worse and worse :cry:

I would contact the Vet again today
 
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