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  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

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Any experience of emphysema?

Carrie14

Carrie14

Mama Doe
No smoking anywhere near but all websites say caused by smoking or other pollutants but Tiesto is not exposed to anything as she lives in my sons room!

Only thing I can think is her sister had terrible lungs and ended her days on steroids.

Please any info as I have searched google and here with no useful advice except one PTS:cry:
 
It is likely that the problem has been caused by a chronic or recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Sometimes a Rabbit's lungs can become badly scared which effects their functioning. Symptoms are usually an increased respiratory rate and/or effort and a poor exercise tolerance. In more advanced cases the lips and gums can have a blue/grey colouring indicating poor oxygenation of the blood.

Steroids are usually contraindicated in Rabbits except in exceptional circumstances or when in the 'last chance saloon'. A covering antibiotic is usually given. If there is evidence of a build up of fluid on the lungs then a diuretic can also be very beneficial. It certainly helps the Rabbit to feel more comfortable.

I currently have a Rabbit in end stage chronic pneumonia. He has been on injections of a corticosteroid, a penicillin abx and a diuretic for about 4 months.

Previously another Rabbit with a similar condition was given an extra 11 months of good quality life on the same treatment regime.

In some circumstances a type of medication know as a bronchodilator may be helpful, but if the scaring of the lungs is severe then these types of drugs dont work.
 
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