Respiratory Disease

Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease in the rabbit can be subdivided into, the area involved, nose, throat, chest and whether the disease is non-contagious or contagious. Where rabbits are kept in close proximity to one another, when new rabbits are brought in from outside sources, where wild rabbits may have access or stress such as travelling occurs, contagious respiratory disease becomes more common.

Myxomatosis Although not a true respiratory disease it heads my list due to its aggression and high mortality rate and the fact that it can be vaccinated against. It presents as swelling of the head, eyelids and genitals. The animals become very dull, disorientated and stop feeding properly. Secondary infection causes snuffles, with runny nose and eyes, developing into a pneumonia, hence the appearance of it as a respiratory disease. It is a pox virus, transmitted primarily by rabbit fleas (beware for your own pet) and less often by mosquitoes. Direct passage through body secretions may be possible so infected rabbits should be segregated and an antiparasitic preparation such as permethrum applied. Humane destruction of the infected animals is probably the kindest and most sensible option. The incubation period is 7-14 days. As with all viral diseases, chosing the correct disinfectant for the premises is important. We have used a product called ‘Safe’ solution. The Ministry of Agriculture have a list of appropriate anti-viral disinfectants. Vaccination can be given by your vet from 6 weeks of age.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease This disease has swept across most of Europe from its origins in China over the past few years. The cases we see are usually dead on arrival at the surgery. Those that are alive have difficulty breathing with frothy, usually blood streaked discharge from both nostrils. At post mortem the windpipe and bronchi are filled with bloody froth. Death occurs within hours. It is highly contagious and if any friend’s rabbit has this disease, keep your friend well away from your rabbits! In a colony of rabbits the mortality rate can be very varied, usually being between 30 and 90%. There is no treatment. Vaccination from 12 weeks of age is effective and recommended for pet rabbits.

Pateurella (Snuffles) A bacterial infection very common to rabbits which takes on many forms and exacerbated by stress, poor and overcrowded housing with bad ventilation. The disease is contagios through respiratory contact and body secretion, e.g. discharge in drinking areas. In its respiratory form it is often known as ‘snuffles’ as the rabbits have a milky nasal discharge which hinders nose breathing. They often have a similar condition in the eyes causing conjunctivitis and may have pneumonia as well. The pneumonic form is extremely dangerous and can cause rapid death and requires immediate veterinary attention. With ‘snuffles’ a chronic sinusitis develops (usually in post weaned rabbits although youngsters can develop the pneumonic form) which is extremely difficult to clear even though it may not cause apparent suffering. This form may develop into infection of the middle and inner ears with head tilt, nystagmus (flickering of the eyes) and torticollis (rotation along the longitudinal axis of the body). Treatment has variable success depending on the severity of the symptoms. We use an antibiotic called enrofloxacin, orally for up to 3 months, followed by probiotics ( dried, natural, bacteria of the gut to re-establish gut function).

Bordatella Another bacterial infection which can produce a variety of symptoms. Many rabbits ‘carry’ this disease without producing any clinical symptoms. Some rabbits develop an upper airway disease which produces ‘snoring’ but with less discharge than pateurella. Antibiotics from your vet are often effective.

Rabbit Syphilis Not truly a respiratory disease, it does at times produce lesions around the nose which may confuse your diagnosis. It is caused by an organism called Treponema cuniculi which is transmitted usually by sexual /body fluid contact and produces red, raw and swollen areas which form blisters and later brown/red scabs principally around the genitalia and nose, lips. Although, supposedly a contraindication and reluctantly used by many vets, an injection of penicillin antibiotic weekly for 3 weeks will cure the problem.

Other conditions There are many other causes of respiratory problems in rabbits. If you have any specific query, contact us and we shall try to provide the answers.

Useful tips

Keep wild rabbits well away.

If you get a new rabbit keep it in 14 day isolation before mixing with your existing pets.

Good ventilation and housing with regular cleaning keeps respiratory disease levels low.