Rabbit Snuffles

Rabbit Snuffles are a term that describes a group of upper respiratory disease symptoms which are common in rabbits. Rabbit snuffles are caused by pasteurella. Pasteurella is one of the most stubborn types of bacteria. The upper respiratory system of a rabbit is a delicate thing. Upper respiratory infections can come suddenly and turn dangerous to the health of a rabbit.

Snuffles is not a disease, it is term used to identify number of infections that occur in a respiratory system. The noticeable sign of snuffles is discharge from the nose. The discharge may have no color at the initial stage. But as the infection increases, the discharge changes from watery to thick and will become yellowish in color. A rabbit with snuffles can be easily identified by the snoring or snuffing sound that it makes when breathing.

This disease was at one time very prevalent, but is now much less frequently encountered. It is caused by several species of bacteria (but mainly by one) of the pasteurella group. The main symptom is a thick, sticky white discharge from the nose, which the animal wipes away with its forelegs. The fur on the inside of the legs becomes matted as a consequence. There is also constant sneezing. The condition should not be confused with a cold (where the discharge is usually thin and clear) or from temporary irritation due to dust or dry foods (where the sneezing is temporary). The duration of the disease is very variable, some cases appearing to clear up very quickly, whilst others appear to be chronic.

Snuffles is rarely fatal, although quite often an animal suffering from the trouble will develop a secondary infection of pneumonia, pleurisy, or hemorrhagic septicaemia.

Poor nutrition is definitely a predisposing factor, vitamin A deficiency probably being the most important. Bad ventilation assists the spread of the disease, which may be very rapid. Animals which have apparently recovered are often carriers and spread the disease to other stock. Prevention therefore lies in good nutrition, good ventilation, and the elimination of all animals affected. There is unfortunately no satisfactory treatment available, although injections of penicillin have been claimed to affect a cure.

Causes of Snuffles

There can be various causes of these infections; the commonly accepted cause is infection due to bacteria pasteurella multocida.

Signs of Snuffles

There are various signs of snuffles associated with the upper respiratory tract. During the initial stages, infected rabbits will develop a watery nasal discharge. Sneezing is another sign of snuffles. Thick, whitish to yellowish nasal discharge is seen. These infected rabbits will make a loud snoring sound which is caused due to the fluid and mucous in their nasal tract.

Rabbits have a tendency to groom their faces with their front paws; infected rabbits will often have discharge inside their forepaws. This disease can infect their eyes causing conjunctivitis. It can also travel to their ears causing ear infection. The infection will sometimes clear in the nose, but can remain the ears. In some severe cases, a rabbit may develop pneumonia.

Treatment of Snuffles

Snuffles are treated with antibiotics for 15–30 days. The antibiotics used are enrofloxacin (baytril), ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim sulfa. Rabbits need bacteria in their intestine to help in digestion and they need these bacteria to be supplemented during and after the antibiotic treatment. Hence, these antibiotics are to be used strictly under veterinary guidance.

The symptoms will be mild if the strain of pasteurella multocida is a mild one and the immunity of the infected rabbit is strong. This can be recovered without any treatment. If the strain is serious or the animal has a weak immune system, the disease can be severe and can cause death. This treatment of antibiotics is given to avoid any further complication in a rabbit’s health. And at severe conditions, the disease is difficult to be cured.

Prevention of Snuffles

Rabbit snuffles are a contagious and difficult disease to treat. Prevention plays a major role in trying to control and cure this disease. Breeders should keep their rabbit and its surroundings clean. Reducing stress is very important in helping a rabbit from getting infected and reducing the severity of the disease. Stress can be because of poor nutrition, improper housing and overcrowding.

Avoid a healthy rabbit to come in contact with an infected rabbit. This disease can be transmitted through secretions. It can also be transmitted through hands and clothes. The breeders should wash their hands after handling a rabbit.

Snuffle is a disease that can have serious consequences to rabbits. It is a widespread and contagious disease. Rabbit owners should be aware of the symptoms of rabbit snuffles and take a rabbit to a veterinarian immediately for treatment.