jodievaughan
New Kit
So, my lovely rabbit Henry has had a bit of a crusty nose for a week now. He's a very energetic, friendly rabbit and his behaviour hasn't changed at all, apart from first thing in the morning he seems a bit stuffy for perhaps a minute.
However, this morning when I opened the hutch and petted him, after a few minutes he sneezed several times in a row. I've never seen him full on sneeze even once before, so I read my rabbit book and did some online searching and figured it sounds like he might have snuffles.
I just had him at the vets an hour ago and was prescribed an anti-inflammatory called meloxicam in the form of Loxicom. The vet said to see how that goes for a week and if it doesnt improve, she'll prescribe antibiotics. Every source I've been able to find doesnt mention anti-inflammatories as a treatment for snuffles, so just wondering if anyone else thinks this is adequate?
In the vet's defence, she did check his lungs to make sure they weren't affected by the infection. I dont think she was being lazy or anything, I'm just worried his condition will worsen with this seemingly mild treatment.
Also, am I right to be picking off the crust around his nose? Obviously I'm being as gentle as possible and taking my time, and the skin doesnt look red/sore, but I dont know if this is too aggressive. I cant leave it there though as I'm at uni 2 hours away from 7am-7pm and I'm worried if he struggles to breathe then I wont be there to help. I'm also reluctant to try to flush it with water in case he inhales any.
I'd really appreciate anyone's insight, thank you!
However, this morning when I opened the hutch and petted him, after a few minutes he sneezed several times in a row. I've never seen him full on sneeze even once before, so I read my rabbit book and did some online searching and figured it sounds like he might have snuffles.
I just had him at the vets an hour ago and was prescribed an anti-inflammatory called meloxicam in the form of Loxicom. The vet said to see how that goes for a week and if it doesnt improve, she'll prescribe antibiotics. Every source I've been able to find doesnt mention anti-inflammatories as a treatment for snuffles, so just wondering if anyone else thinks this is adequate?
In the vet's defence, she did check his lungs to make sure they weren't affected by the infection. I dont think she was being lazy or anything, I'm just worried his condition will worsen with this seemingly mild treatment.
Also, am I right to be picking off the crust around his nose? Obviously I'm being as gentle as possible and taking my time, and the skin doesnt look red/sore, but I dont know if this is too aggressive. I cant leave it there though as I'm at uni 2 hours away from 7am-7pm and I'm worried if he struggles to breathe then I wont be there to help. I'm also reluctant to try to flush it with water in case he inhales any.
I'd really appreciate anyone's insight, thank you!