Runny Nose and Crusty Eyes.

Question
I adopted my Rabbit almost three years ago now, i am not quite sure how old he is but i think he is about 4 or 5. Over the past few weeks i have noticed that the ridges around his eyes seem to be a bit redder then normal, also had some crusty goo in the corners. His nose has been runny and getting crusty aswell. I have noticed him being a little more lethargic then normal, Could him being more lethargic be from getting older? Or do u think it is something more serious. He is still playfull when he is not sleeping. His eating, drinking, and bathroom habbits seem to be fine. His breathing has been a bit raspy which makes me worried a bit, sometimes it has almost a little sqeak to it but not badly. do u think he is ok?

Answer
Dear Mallory,

It does not sound as if your bunny is completely okay. The crusty eyes and nose could be due to mange:

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

which can be safely treated by your vet with Revolution (selamectin).

Or possibly to rabbit syphilis (not contagious to humans), which can be safely treated with injectible (not oral!) Penicillin-G Procaine.

The snotty nose could be an upper respiratory infection, and that *definitely* needs treatment by the vet, lest it become worse. Please read:

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

and

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

and find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps you get him on the road to good health.

Dana

At the age of 4-5, he's not old at all.  He needs to be seen by a good rabbit vet for a complete wellness check and treatment, as necessary.