Chesty Snuffling Sound

Question
Hello,
I have two male Dutch rabbits, both approx 20 months old. They live outdoors in a shed, in seperate hutches as they fought when they were young. They both get several hours of 'playtime' each day where they are free to run around. They have been moved a couple of times as I have moved house, and   I have noticed that this has unsettled them both at the time, but after a week or so they settle in ok.

My concern is regarding Zippy, who is generally the more friendly of the two. About 6 months ago he started making what I can only describe as a Chesty Snuffling Sound, like a person when they have congestion in their nose and sinuses. My vet has checked him over for this on two occasions and reports that although it is unusual and sounds like it is coming from his respiratory system, he does not seem to be in any discomfort. He did recommend that I remove dusty bedding such as hay and sawdust incase it was acting as an irritant, and use artificial bedding instead. I have done this but it has made no difference.

My concern now is that as we are coming into the British Winter it is getting a lot colder, and I believe that his 'congestion' is getting worse - it is only noticeable by the noise he makes as he grunts and moves around. His brother is not affected by this condition and has not developed any of the same symptoms.

The only occasion that I have noticed a genuine respite from Zippy's symptoms is when the vet gave him a general painkilling injection, although he could have just been feeling the effects of the drug!

Apart from this he is very lively, and eats plenty of fresh vegetables and pellets each day.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing your opinion.

Matt

Answer
Dear Matt,

First, I think you need to find a vet who is more experienced with rabbits!  Please go here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find someone who can give you an educated second opinion.  

Although some rabbits do have a "flobby" soft palate that causes them to make snuffling sounds, it's far more common for this to mean that the bunny has an upper respiraotry or, worse, pneumonia infection.  Please read:

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

for more information, and find another vet for a second opinion.  Respiratory infections can definitely become life-threatening if not treated, and it's better to be sure about this than sorry later.

I hope this helps.

Dana