Symptoms of Rabbit Infectious Rhinitis: Key Indicators
Section 1: Clinical Symptoms of Rabbit Infectional Rhinitis
The symptoms of rabbit infectious rhinitis are quite pronounced. During the infection period, the fur around the rabbit's nose often appears damp, and as the rabbit continuously sneezes, puslike discharge gradually starts to appear in its nostrils. Initially, these discharges are thin, serous mucus, but as the condition worsens, they transform into purulent mucus.
Infected rabbits typically suffer from constant sneezing due to nasal inflammation. In the early stages of the disease, the frequency of sneezing is relatively low. However, as the condition progresses, the severity increases, leading to more frequent and continuous sneezes. When the other rabbits in the enclosure are quiet, the owner can hear the sound of sneezing coming from all directions. It's important to note that while sneezing, infected rabbits expel a large number of pathogens from their respiratory tract, which can lead to the entire group of rabbits becoming infected.
The breathing rate of infected rabbits is very high, with rapid and heavy breathing sounds. This is particularly noticeable during the hot midday hours, and compared to healthy rabbits, those with rhinitis are more susceptible to heatstroke and death.
Young rabbits infected with infectious rhinitis have a low cure and survival rate, leading to slow growth and the development of stunted rabbits. If the infected rabbits do not receive timely treatment, their condition will worsen, potentially leading to pneumonia, empyema, and other complications. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, cyanosis of the conjunctiva, decreased appetite, and even complete loss of appetite. The infected rabbits may rapidly lose weight or suddenly die.
These are common symptoms of rabbit infectious rhinitis. It's crucial to recognize them accurately and not simply assume that a rabbit's sneezing is due to rhinitis. If a rabbit only sneezes while eating, it might just be a reaction to dust in its nose, not a disease. The owner should ensure that dust is removed from the rabbit's food before feeding to prevent this issue!
Warning from Oxygen Pet Doctor:
Early detection of rabbit infectious rhinitis is crucial, as it is highly curable. However, if the opportunity is missed, the consequences can be irreversible. Therefore, prevention should be the main focus. Owners should strictly manage the rabbits' care and feeding to minimize the risk of infection.
