Does sneezing always need a vet visit?

Melbourne has been sneezing v occasionally- I have witnessed max of one bout of sneezing a day, since he had his VHD2 jab about 10 days ago.
I once noticed some white mucous, there is nothing inside his paws. He is very happy and eating lots. (He is neutered and bonded and Biscuit is showing no symptoms.)
I have decided to keep an eye on him whilst keeping his environment super clean, ventilated and stress free (he’s free range inside) and make sure his diet is excellent etc to reduce stress in the hopes his immune system will overcome this minor infection- I’m aware that snuffles can be stress induced and I know how stressful he finds vet trips and ESPECIALLY being syringed meds.
I am also giving both bunnies echinacea drops on their food.
Is this enough or do I need to get him to the vets ASAP? I know pasturella can lead to lots of horrible things but I’m also aware that ABx are rarely a cure... what to do?

It sounds like he has had a bout of sneezing every day for 10 days, since he was vaccinated? You seem to be doing all the right things but it is a good idea to tackle Snuffles early with an abx. Jane or MM will have more advice - hope you can cure his sneezing.

Thank you, if the advice is to take him straight to the vets I’ll do it... I’m just picturing an endless cycle of stress inducing antibiotics never quite curing it... but maybe that’s the worst case scenario. We do have a good vet who was very thorough and knowledgable when he had a bout of stasis once

ElsasMummy said:

Melbourne has been sneezing v occasionally- I have witnessed max of one bout of sneezing a day, since he had his VHD2 jab about 10 days ago.
I once noticed some white mucous, there is nothing inside his paws. He is very happy and eating lots. (He is neutered and bonded and Biscuit is showing no symptoms.)
I have decided to keep an eye on him whilst keeping his environment super clean, ventilated and stress free (he’s free range inside) and make sure his diet is excellent etc to reduce stress in the hopes his immune system will overcome this minor infection- I’m aware that snuffles can be stress induced and I know how stressful he finds vet trips and ESPECIALLY being syringed meds.
I am also giving both bunnies echinacea drops on their food.
Is this enough or do I need to get him to the vets ASAP? I know pasturella can lead to lots of horrible things but I’m also aware that ABx are rarely a cure... what to do?

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Hi there :wave:

You are quite right that for sneezing, even the white stuff, antibiotics can be stressful and not penetrate the appropriate part to clear it up.

A vet visit would rule out any lung involvement (although an Xray might show that up better) but I would ask when you began the echinacea drops? They might need 2/3 weeks to kick in, and as he's had his VHD2 job recently I am thinking along the same lines as you, that his immune system has taken a dip.

Having put a bunny through lots of diagnostics for sneezing and white mucous, and lots of antibiotics, only to effect a cure by 'alternative' means (via a specialist vet surgeon) then I am of the opinion that you wait a little while .... But of course should the sneezing and white discharge get worse then rethink that

Here's some reading, though you sound really knowledgable anyway ... but just in case (I found it interesting)

http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/m...oads/2016/03/Study_Notes_Ear_Nose_Rabbits.pdf

ElsasMummy said:

Melbourne has been sneezing v occasionally- I have witnessed max of one bout of sneezing a day, since he had his VHD2 jab about 10 days ago.
I once noticed some white mucous, there is nothing inside his paws. He is very happy and eating lots. (He is neutered and bonded and Biscuit is showing no symptoms.)
I have decided to keep an eye on him whilst keeping his environment super clean, ventilated and stress free (he’s free range inside) and make sure his diet is excellent etc to reduce stress in the hopes his immune system will overcome this minor infection- I’m aware that snuffles can be stress induced and I know how stressful he finds vet trips and ESPECIALLY being syringed meds.
I am also giving both bunnies echinacea drops on their food.
Is this enough or do I need to get him to the vets ASAP? I know pasturella can lead to lots of horrible things but I’m also aware that ABx are rarely a cure... what to do?

Click to expand...

Hello

Personally I would get Melbourne checked over by a Vet to make sure that his lungs are clear and that any sneezing is not related to infection lower down in his respiratory tract. As Tonibun has said it is always good to get on top of any potential infection ASAP. As the sneezing started after his vaccination it may be that his immune system has taken a bit of a hit thus allowing a previously latent bacterial presence to become more 'active', so-to-speak.

As you say you have a good Rabbit Savvy Vet I am sure that he/she will be able to offer you the best advice. The use of antibiotics is something that all Vets (and Doctors) are now a lot more cautious of doing as their over-use has caused so many issues. After a full examination the Vet may suggest a 'wait and see' approach rather than a course of abx 'just in case'. But I would be very reluctant to opt for the 'wait and see' without first having Bunny examined by a Rabbit Savvy Vet.

Good luck xx

PS I remember your dear Elsa Bunny well I have recently adopted a Bunny called Elsa

Thank you so much mighty max and jacks jane for your replies. He has only had about 8 days of echinacea so perhaps there’s hope there.

I think I may have to bite the bullet though and get him checked over for lung involvement too if that’s a potential problem, thank you.

Ah Jack’s Jane that’s so nice to hear! I got Elsa when I was 11 and although I technically did everything wrong until I knew a better she lived until after I finished uni! I’m 27 now and expecting a real baby as well as my little furry babies who are very spoilt!

ElsasMummy said:

Thank you so much mighty max and jacks jane for your replies. He has only had about 8 days of echinacea so perhaps there’s hope there.

I think I may have to bite the bullet though and get him checked over for lung involvement too if that’s a potential problem, thank you.

Ah Jack’s Jane that’s so nice to hear! I got Elsa when I was 11 and although I technically did everything wrong until I knew a better she lived until after I finished uni! I’m 27 now and expecting a real baby as well as my little furry babies who are very spoilt!

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You're very welcome!

Sneezing often doesn't involve the lungs, so I am hoping that's the case for you

And best wishes for the new addition to your family!

ElsasMummy said:

Thank you so much mighty max and jacks jane for your replies. He has only had about 8 days of echinacea so perhaps there’s hope there.

I think I may have to bite the bullet though and get him checked over for lung involvement too if that’s a potential problem, thank you.

Ah Jack’s Jane that’s so nice to hear! I got Elsa when I was 11 and although I technically did everything wrong until I knew a better she lived until after I finished uni! I’m 27 now and expecting a real baby as well as my little furry babies who are very spoilt!

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Oh congratulations on your pregnancy How wonderful I have always liked the name Elsa, my Elsa was rescued from a 'Meat Farm'. I hope that she will now have a long and happy life just as your beautiful Elsa did.

Good luck at the Vets with Melbourne xx

ElsasMummy said:

Thank you so much mighty max and jacks jane for your replies. He has only had about 8 days of echinacea so perhaps there’s hope there.

I think I may have to bite the bullet though and get him checked over for lung involvement too if that’s a potential problem, thank you.

Ah Jack’s Jane that’s so nice to hear! I got Elsa when I was 11 and although I technically did everything wrong until I knew a better she lived until after I finished uni! I’m 27 now and expecting a real baby as well as my little furry babies who are very spoilt!

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Sneezing can be due to a whole host of issues, so please don't worry too much at the moment! Infection often lodges in the nasal area, and I have found (and my vet agrees) that nebulising is the very best way of coping with this.

Occasional sneezing can be due to dust or pollen in the air.


I think most often our first bunnies are our learning experience. All subsequent bunnies have a wonderful life as a result of our enhanced experience