Contagious Rhinitis in Rabbits: Causes, Symptoms, and P

Section 1: Symptoms of Rabbit Infectious Rhinitis

Rabbit infectious rhinitis is typically caused by a combination of pathogens, including Pasteurella and Bordetella, among others. Most rabbits carry Pasteurella in their nasal passages, but they do not usually become ill under normal circumstances. The air quality in the rabbitry is a major factor influencing this, and sudden changes in weather can also trigger stress responses and subsequent illness. The symptoms of rabbit rhinitis include frequent sneezing, which may increase in frequency, with the rabbit possibly sneezing multiple times in a row. Nasal discharge may also occur, but rabbits often shake their heads to clear it, making it less noticeable to their owners. However, if you notice that the fur around the rabbit's nostrils is matted and dirty, and the rabbit is frequently sneezing, it's a sign to be concerned, as this could indicate an outbreak of rhinitis.

In the early stages of rhinitis, owners can treat their pets with Platycodon grandiflorus infusion. If this does not improve the condition, they can try using a nasal spray specifically formulated for small animals, such as "Pet Nasal Comfort." In more advanced cases, injections may be necessary to complement the treatment. It's crucial to treat rabbit rhinitis promptly, as delaying treatment can make it more difficult to cure and lead to severe complications.

Important Note: If a rabbit sneezes while eating or drinking, it is generally not a sign of rhinitis, and owners should not worry.

Sneezing in rabbits with rhinitis often results in white, purulent discharge. Owners should keep an eye out for this.

If a rabbit is simply sneezing without any white, purulent discharge, the cause may be one of the following:

1. If a rabbit only sneezes while eating, it may be due to excessive dust in the rabbit food or hay. It's important for owners to sift the feed before feeding to remove any dust and monitor the rabbit's sneezing to see if it improves.

2. If a rabbit sneezes at other times, it could be due to a cold or rhinitis. Young rabbits are particularly sensitive to temperature, and a comfortable range is between 2025°C. If the indoor temperature falls below 20°C, owners should take steps to keep the rabbit warm.

Treatment: In the initial stages of rabbit rhinitis, owners can dissolve Platycodon grandiflorus granules or Shuanghuanglian granules in water or administer Shuanghuanglian oral liquid to their pets. The dosage for granules is half a packet per day, while the oral liquid can be given at a rate of 1ml per day. Monitor the rabbit for a week; if the rhinitis persists, it's advisable to take the rabbit to a veterinarian for advanced treatment, such as "Nasal Cough Stop" injections.

Tip from Oxygen Pet Doctor: Many of the pathogens that cause rabbit infectious rhinitis are opportunistic pathogens, meaning that the owner's management of the rabbit is a significant factor in the development of rhinitis. It's important for owners to maintain a high standard of care for their rabbits.