Breathing a bit laboreous

Question
My bunny Fluffy is 6 1/2 (Mix Netherlands dwarf). After a 10 days holiday, we returned home and noticed that she is breathing a bit laborious and her nostrils are more open. She also seems sad and is not eating as much as usual. The weather has been changing and there is more humidity and temperatures are around 74.
During the holiday we left her under the care of our nephew, who lives with us and fed her regularly. I feel she is loosing some weight. She used to weight 5 pounds. Not sure how much now.

On the day we left on holiday, we had a very unusual event. We found a mid size sneak in the backyard, where Fluffy hops around and hangs out in the company of three canaries. We trapped the sneak and called animal control, which advice my nephew to release the sneak in the canyon, as it was non  dangerous. Fluffy has full access to the entire house. She comes in and out as she pleases. Has never been caged.

I have not heard any noise when breathing or stomach noise. Her stool is dry and very small. She is eating her vegetables, but not so interested in her pellets and or favorite treats.

Not sure what is wrong with my bunny? Stress due to the presence of a predator around? Depressed due to our absence? Breathing problems?  I am giving her a lot of TLC and keep her close to me.

Your advice is appreciated.
Thx
Arkadia

Answer
Dear Arkadia,

The snake (I'm assuming that's what was meant by "sneak"?) is not likely the source of the problem.  But your bunny sounds as if she is suffering from a respiratory infection, and may be courting pneumonia.  The best thing to do is to get her to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately for in-person exam, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.  Find a vet here:

http://www.rabbit.org/vet

Her stool being small and dry is an indication that she may also be dehydrated and stressed.  Please see:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

and

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

But get her to the vet without delay.   Her life may depend on it.

Dana