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Kit with crusty nose

Laura_s

New Kit
Hi, we have 6 10 day old Kits, all doing well. However I checked them this morning and noticed one had a crusty nose. We have just started using wood shavings to line the nest box, could this have caused it? Or is it a sign of something else?
 
Hi, we have 6 10 day old Kits, all doing well. However I checked them this morning and noticed one had a crusty nose. We have just started using wood shavings to line the nest box, could this have caused it? Or is it a sign of something else?



Welcome to the Forum Laura :wave:

Wood shavings are not a good idea ...

http://www.rabbit.org/care/shavings.html

http://adamthevet.com/the-great-bedding-debate/



However, I would consider seeing a vet to make sure that any possible upper respiratory infection is nipped in the bud :)
 
Hi, we have 6 10 day old Kits, all doing well. However I checked them this morning and noticed one had a crusty nose. We have just started using wood shavings to line the nest box, could this have caused it? Or is it a sign of something else?

Is the crusting dried discharge or damaged skin ?

Wood shavings can irritate the respiratory tract, but without being able to see what you are describing as a 'crusty nose' I cant say what the problem may be. Are any of the kits or their Mother sneezing ?

Fitch bedding may be a better choice

https://www.fitchrecycling.co.uk/an...dding/fitch-pet-bedding-single-bale-20kg.html
 
Do I try and clean it out?

I would prefer for the Kits to be checked by a Vet to firstly determine what the crustiness is and why the problem has occurred. It may be dried discharge (abnormal) or dried milk (abnormal). Rabbits are obligate nose breathers so having a blocked nose will leave the kits at high risk of developing a serious respiratory tract infection. It will also make feeding more difficult and the Kits will fail to thrive.
 
Do I try and clean it out?


Hi there

As I mentioned above, this could be a respiratory infection and I would be much happier if a vet looked at the nose and discharge. You don't want to create a bigger problem in the future, if they need treatment just now :)
 
Ok I'll phone vets on Monday. Obviously I'd need to take all the kits and mum too wouldn't I?

I dont think it can wait til Monday TBH. Monday is a Bank Holiday so it'd still be an out of hours consultation. I would want to contact a Vet today, even if it is just to seek their advice over the phone. My concern would be that the Kits ability to get a good air exchange into their lungs will be compromised if their nostrils remain blocked for another 2-3 days. This could lead to the development of a lower respiratory tract infection (pneumonia).
 
Ok I'll phone vets on Monday. Obviously I'd need to take all the kits and mum too wouldn't I?


Yes, do phone the vets and see what they advise. It may be that you could find a vet that is normally open on Sundays, like some Companion Care Vets, and they can be seen sooner than next Tuesday.

I hope you can get some advice soon :wave:
 
Just got back from vets, she picked the crusty bits out and there was no mucus behind it which suggests it's not an infection. She said to just keep an eye on it and clean it again if it comes back, but more than likely it's just a bit of saw dust and dried mucus. Bunny is lively in itself and a decent size �� phew, panic over lol
 
Just got back from vets, she picked the crusty bits out and there was no mucus behind it which suggests it's not an infection. She said to just keep an eye on it and clean it again if it comes back, but more than likely it's just a bit of saw dust and dried mucus. Bunny is lively in itself and a decent size �� phew, panic over lol

So glad that you managed to get to a Vet, I hope that the Kits will all thrive xx
 
Just got back from vets, she picked the crusty bits out and there was no mucus behind it which suggests it's not an infection. She said to just keep an eye on it and clean it again if it comes back, but more than likely it's just a bit of saw dust and dried mucus. Bunny is lively in itself and a decent size �� phew, panic over lol


I'm glad you got that seen to :)

I hope all will be well!
 
I'm glad they are fine. It is best not to use wood shavings. Newspaper is good if you can get some of your neighbours to save theirs for you.
 
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