snuffles? cold? humidity?

Hi bunnylovers, I need some helpful advice and constructive comments, please... Well, if not for me, for my little boy.

So, my boy (around 3 years old), has recently had the snuffles...or still does, not sure. Thing is, his breathing became loud last week.. We were concerned, as we never had to face the snuffles before. We were lucky, because he never lost his appetite, his willingness to jump around or have fun (this is an important part, will get back to it..). So the next day he sneezed, and here was a pretty big amount of snot there. Colour- and consistency did not suggest something lethal, it was transparent, without any colour. So we took him to the vet, she said that yup, it might have been because of a sudden change of temperatures (going outside from inside, etc.). He got a few injections, and we had to put antibiotics in his water. We were also given stuff for a possible syringe-feeding session, but luckily, he always had his usual appetite, so we didn't have to use it So, in 3-4 days he drank all the antibiotics, his breathing became normal again, so far so good. But his week, since yesterday he seems to be developing the same thing. His breathing is not THAT heavy as before, and he doesn't have a snotty nose this time..or...yet. We're just trying to be cautious, to avoid anything serious. So, where we are at the moment: breathing seems to get louder again.
I know-I know, vet. But there is a noteworthy aspect. In case of snuffles, it is an important thing to keep them warm. But in order to get to the vet, we'd have to expose him to an extremely freezing temperature. :/ Not to mention we just moved to a new place, so all our savings is gone thanks to deposits, bills and expenses. It was a major kick to pay the vet last week, I dunno how we'd manage another round. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't hesitate to pay for it as many times as needed, I'd rather not have anything to eat myself... So..back to he original topic: I don't really want to take him to the vet, because of the temperature. ALSO: It just came to me yesterday. I seem to remember that high level of humidity can also cause snuffles. AND since we just moved to a new place, and he is in the lounge that has an american-style kitchen next to it, humidity is fairly high. It is also worth considering, because he never was cold or ill because of temperature-issues before, even though he likes to play in the coldest weathers, in huge snow, too. So... I was thinking... If he still has an appetite and does everything in a normal way, doesn't that mean he's not sick as in "virus-sick", "infection-sick", etc? So... If we can adjust the humidity level properly, maybe it would solve the issue. But here's a twist: In order to get rid of the extra humidity in the room, we'd need to open the windows for ventillation. BUT! that means a drastic change of temperature, so again, it is not good again. Damn...

So, taking everything into consideration, please help me out with your experience and constructive comments. We would be real helpful. Also: in this condition, does it do any good if we boost his vitamin C intake with some tiny bits of oranges n stuff?
I am real thankful in advance...
Mike

Please guys, some helpful advice, or constructive opinion for my boy? cheers

Hi there, first of all the course of antibiotics is not long enough for snuffles he needs at least 21 days worth of baytril or septrin. You may be best ringing your vet explaining that the snuffles is back and you have had advice from a rabbit forum and wondered if you could either get a 21 day course of baytril or paediatric suspension septrin. That way you won't need to pay for another consultation just the meds which should cost around a fiver. If they have already seen him and the problem isn't any worse than before then they should do this. You don't actually know what is causing the snuffles though, it could be pasturella or something else that's invaded the nose or it could be a problem with his teeth. The only way to determine this would be to have a nose swab taken and his teeth checked. Did the vet check his teeth at all? Anyway this was my first course of action with my Rocky the second time it returned I had a nasal swab taken and then I was told baytril was the antibiotic he needed as whatever was in his nose was sensitive to this antibiotic. He also had tiny molar spurs so had these burred at the same time. This was about 2 months ago and *touch wood* no more snuffles. If it returns however I would expect the vet to put him on another 21 day course of baytril.

Also very important you need to give him the antibiotic orally in a syringe so you know he is getting the correct dosage. I have no idea why your vets told you to give it in the water it is a really unreliable way to administer it. If you ever need a vet in the future I would change to a different one as your vet doesn't sound like they know very much about rabbits. I would stick to them for now though seen as they have seen him already for this problem but if he gets worse I would try a different vet that specialises in small animals.

Hello Lady,

Thank you so much for the answer... It is really worth trying, will definitely ring our vet..
Aww, I hope your bun will stay healthy

Check his environment to see if anything could be irritating his nose, such as dust from wood shavings, any kind of smoke, air fresheners, or any aerosols, all of these can cause nasal upsets. The air should be clean which he breathes in. Stress can also bring on snuffles. There is a huge Snuffles Thread on here with lots of information which you may find helpful. You should be able to find it under Health. Cold or humidity doesn't normally bring snuffles on, the ammonia from the urine can also irritate a rabbit's nose.

Thannk you both for the advice... he seems to be more than fine now...not breathing loud at all...