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Chronic Snuffles, Where to start on treatment?

R

RSPCA Macclesfield

Warren Scout
We have had a rabbit come into our care with severe, untreated snuffles. He had nasal swabs and a skull Xray done last week, and we were hoping to get a camera up his nose, but the 'middle bit' of his nostril has eroded, almost and was described as 'a mess' so we were unable to do that. He also has dental problems :( He is starting a course of Marbocyl next week & will be on Metacam now throughout his life. However, I'm thinking ahead in treatment. I've dealt with snuffles before, but never coming in once it was so advanced. I've read loads & it sounds as though it might be worth neubilising, but what is best to start off with? The vet is great and will listen to which way we want to go, so any advice or suggestions much appreciated! Thanks in advance.
 
I think that this rabbit needs to see a specialist, really. In my experience, normal vets can barely deal with mild snuffles, let alone a case of this severity.

Bisolvon would also be worth looking into, to help thin the mucus.
 
nessar said:
I think that this rabbit needs to see a specialist, really. In my experience, normal vets can barely deal with mild snuffles, let alone a case of this severity.

Bisolvon would also be worth looking into, to help thin the mucus.
Click to expand...

He is already under a specialist. I had already asked for him to be started on Bisolven, just wondered what had worked for other people. Especially as it is so advanced.
 
I found that nebulising really helped Furby. He seemed to be more relaxed and his breathing improved. I didn't use any drugs just salt in the water and some bisolvon powder. He sat happily on my lap with his mask on and the vapour eased his blocked nose.

Baytril and another drug didn't help Furby at all. It was only when I started on the penicillin injections I noticed an improvement. Metacam wasn't strong enough either so he has vetergesic injections.

Furby also liked being syringe fed. He lapped it up eagerly but just felt too poorly to eat for himself.

He is still not 'right' but is much better than he was.
 
I think you have to "go for it" all guns blazing.

Bisolvon is wonderful for Benjie.The discharge changed from thick stuff causing distressing paroxysms of sneezing to thinner stuff - more like blowing his nose within 2 days.
Nebuliser also helps alot here, hypertonic saline also helps to shrink back tissues, but ABx & disinfectant eg F10 by nebuliser are also possible..
Metacam for pain relief and to reduce swelling so the discharge can drain.
A pinch of echinacea powder daily, improves the immune response.
Abx would have to be very prolonged possibly 3 Abx to be rotated every fortnight. Once the infection has spread to cartilage it's very difficult to shift.

Benjie takes his Bisolvon & echinacea on a folded basil leaf like a treat! (That's his life long treatment)
A saline nebuliser can be given without a chamber while he's on my knee & he'll lap metacam from my palm. So there's no stress at all there. Minimising stress is also very important.

I'm so sorry your bun has such severe snuffles.Please keep us updated.
With every good wish for success.
 
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