coughing/sneezing?

[lennyjames]

hi all,
There have been nights (at least once a week) when I am awoken by the female Dutch of the pair that I have - Sofi - by a sort of rapid couching/sneezing sound. In an event like this, she coughs/sneezes about one a second, and lasts about 10-15 second periods for about a minute or a little less. I find her often stroking her nose with her paws during this time. (to note, our rabbits are free-roaming in the house). After the episodes, she just lies down next to the buck as if nothing happened. She is OK after that. I am wondering if I should be very concrened about this.

Any ideas?

 

[Flashy]

Has she got any snot or anything running from her nose? Are her eyes runny?Is she eating, drinking, pooing normally? Is she lethargic?

Apart from the sneezing, is there anything else about her behaviour that gives you cause for concern?

We have a couple of bucks that like to nose around in anything and everything, and very commonly have sneezing fits where, most probably,they have got a teeny piece of dirt or something stuck up their nose and, like with a person, they sneeze to dislodge it.

We had a bun that used to sneeze multiple times in a row, like what you are describing, and he went on for months like this, but he never showed any sign of being ill, just of having something up his nose.

If you are worried, take her to the vet because a rabbit cold can be fatal, but equally it could be something very normal. But remember it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Hi there! Rabbits don't get colds. They get respitory infections which can become serious if not treated. Mine do this also. The only time you need to worry and see a vet is if you see any colored discharge,white or yellow, which is a sign of respitory infection which needs to be treated with antibiotics from a rabbit savvy vet. If there is no colored discharge, I wouldn't worry about it. If they are shedding, this could be the reason for the sneezing, they get hairs in their noses while cleaning, or it could be dust from hay. Good Luck. I hope it's nothing.

 

[Flashy]

AngelnSnuffy, I had a bun that had what the vet said was a cold, but looking at symtoms was probabbly pneumonia, and he had totally clear discharge, but it was rivering, and he died within twelve hours of it starting, so it can still be serious if there is clear discharge.

(I'm not doubting anything you said, it was good helpful advice, I just thought I would add that though)

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Thanks!

 

[Flashy]

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

Ok, here is a link from the Rabbit Health section called "Runny Nose". It does say that the initial signs of "snuffles" is a clear discharge:shock:. Then turns white/yellowish in color.

http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12016&forum_id=10

 

[Flashy]

That's really helpful Thank you (even though I know it wasn't for me, lol). I'm going to read that and learrn.

 

[AngelnSnuffy]

You're welcome! Enjoy.