Rabbit is yelping

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
My rabbit had her first injection 1 week ago and for the past couple of days she has not been eating very well and has been sleeping practically constantly. She has also been sneezing a little and she has been yelping when she's picked up. I took her to the vets today and she's been prescribed antibiotics to treat the possibility of snuffles and she has also been given a supplement for her lack of eating.  The vet examined her closely and could not explain why she would be yelping, but I've picked her up twice tonight and she has yelped on both occasions.  Do you know why she may be doing this as I'm really worried about her?
Regards,
Julia Smith

ANSWER: Dear Julia,

When you say "yelping," are you describing a sound that's a little bit like a squeaky, growly whimper?  If so, she may be suffering from a false pregnancy, and that means it's soon time to have her spayed, for her health and longevity.  Please read:

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

Sometimes a rabbit will whimper when she's uncomfortable or in pain, so also see:

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

For information on how to deal with the sneezing, please see:

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

If you're not sure your present vet is very experienced with rabbits, you can check the lists linked here for another vet for a second opinion:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope that helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your advice. She is only about 16 weeks old is this too young to be suffering from a false pregnancy?
Kind Regards,
Julia

Answer
Dear Julia,

That's pretty young to be having a false pregnancy.  If she really is whimpering when you pick her up, then please see:

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

to see if she's just fearful.  But if you suspect shemight be in pain, then I would still get her to a good rabbit vet for a full check up.

www.rabbit.org/vets

Good luck,

Dana