Occasional sneezing/coughing

Question
I have a two year old dutch bunny, Willy. The past week Willy has been sneezing and coughing on a few occasions.  He's not sneezing everyday, but did have one episode that really scared me. He has no discharge from his nose or eyes, and is eating and acting completely normal.  He had a sneezing issue about a year ago and it went away.  I don't want to make an unneeded vet visit, but I also don't want this to progress to something worse. Could this possibly be allergies?  Should I keep monitoring him and take him to the vet if he has discharge or starts acting sick, or do you recommend taking him now?

thank you so much!
Anne-Marie

Answer
Dear Anne-Marie,

When a bunny is exhibiting signs like this, I wouldn't consider a vet visit unnecessary.  He may have an upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, or other problem that only a good rabbit vet will be able to diagnose and treat.  Please read this:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sneezing.html

so you'll know what to ask the vet.

Chronic choking can also be caused by molar spurs, so be *sure* to ask the vet to do a thorough oral exam:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sneezing.html

Hope this helps.

Dana