rabbit respiratory question

Question
Dr. Krempels, I have a 7 yr old pet rabbit. About 6 months ago she started sneezing uncontrollably, about 15 to 25 times, followed by a several, 3 to 5, gagging sounds. She will do this about once an hour all day. After she finishes she seems fine. Her weight has remained stable and eats, drinks, and goes to the bathroom normally. We have taken her to two different vets with rabbit experience and they both think it is allergies and say not to worry. the discharge from her nostrils is clear and they both said to look for a milky color which she has not had. What is your opinion, and should we do any thing else. Thank You, Steve

Answer
Dear Steve,

Did either of the two rabbit "expert" vets have a look deep into her mouth to check for molar spurs or other dental problem?  I always get a little wary when someone proclaims "allergy," seemingly because they can't find or don't know another explanation.  The gagging could be due to severe molar spurs or other dental problem deep in the back of her mouth, and sometimes the irritation from such a problem can cause sneezing.

A rabbit this age may *also* have intrusion of tooth roots into the sinuses (due to bone loss and chewing pressure pushing the teeth gradually farther into the skull than normal), which can cause discharge and sneezing (though usually with some degree of bacterial growth that should be visible as cloudy snot).

Please read:

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

and

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

and then use the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find a vet who is experienced with rabbit dentistry and will do a thorough exam before just dismissing this as "allergies."

I hope this helps.

Dana