my rabbit is making strange noises

Question
i got my dutch rabbit, pippa, in december 2005. she was fine until around april. i have noticed she is making strange noises every so often when she breathes. she is eating fine and drinking fine. she has also started becoming quite timid with me at times. sorry i do not no her real age but i am really worried that she is ill.....please help me xx reply asap

Answer
Dear Katie,

Is Pippa spayed?  This may or may not have anything to do with the noise, but if she is becoming timid and she's not spayed, she may be experiencing false pregnancies that make her moody and shy.  The safest thing and best for her health would be to have her spayed, which will put an end to the mood swings.  

If she is still acting shy, please try the tips here:

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

As for the breathing sound, if she has a sinus infection or (I hope not!), pneumonia, this should be diagnosed and treated by a good veterinarian, whom you can find via the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Please also read:

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

and

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

If the noise is actually vocalization, she could be whimpering when approached, also due to the false pregnancies.  And some rabbits have a bit of a floppy soft palate that may make them snore when they're sleeping or when they're very relaxed.  Without seeing her, I can't really tell what Pippa's situation is, but I think these ideas will at least give you a starting point.

Hope this helps. Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana