Rabbit has allergies?

Question
I have a 5 month old black mini rex rabbit.  Since I've had him from the first week, i noticed that he sneezed and rubbed his nose alot.  He seems to be getting progressively worse the past couple of weeks.  I noticed he had some discharge coming out of his right nostril and he makes a hacking noise once in a while.  He is still eating and drinking normally and playing but today i noticed he was closing one of his eyes even when hes eating and I see that his upper lid is swollen.  I don't have alot of money right at the moment, I will be trying to get him to the vet by next week.  Do you have any recommendations to help my little guy?  Also, I've read that it could be allergies and they recommend pediatric beynadryl.  I really don't want my rabbit to be drugged up and tired, because he is still pretty active.  thanks.

Answer
Hi Christina

I really wouldn't try benadryl if I were you either.  The best thing you can do is try to find out what it is that he is allergic to.  I had a mini rex that was allergic to wood of all things.  I had to give her bedding made of shredded paper and within a few weeks she was completely better.  The paper is a pain because it literally has to be changed every day but she is happy now.

The most important thing you can do is to make sure that you get the little guy to the vet.  They can make sure that he doesn't have snuffles which can be caused by many various conditions.  If he does have snuffles he will need to be treated with Baytril and you can only get that from a prescription.

Just make sure he continues to eat until you get him to the vet.  You can try rinsing his eye with Bausch and Lomb contact solution with boric acid.  It really helps to clear up sore eyes.  Also if he has any change in his eating habits, gets diarrhea or seems to be less active then normal then don't wait until next week.  

I hope he is ok.  He sounds like a little angel.

Thanks

Pam