Sick Rabbit

Question
I hospitalized my rabbit tonight, he was having heavy breathing, and wasn't getting enough oxygen. They put him on oxygen and are keeping him over night. I'd feel a bit reassured to know what could possibly be wrong with him? Heavy breathing, not much exercise or movement, and runny nose. I'm worried sick, he tried eating later tonight and couldn't. This happened all over night, do you think it's possible he got sick because the night before he was sitting in front of a fan blowing cool air?

Answer
Hi there,

I am so sorry to hear about your sick rabbit. To me it sounds like he has pneumonia, more than likely caused by pasteurella or bordetella. No, i do not believe that the draft caused this illness, although if it were cold it may have weakened his immune system and allowed it to spread deeper into his lungs.

Hopefully the vets will be able to do a culture on the mucus and let you know what exact bacteria is the underlying cause of his snuffles.

They will probably put him on some very strong antibiotics, most likely baytril. Make sure he takes probiotics as well, and make sure he is well segregated from any other rabbits once he comes home.

Good luck!!