white discharge from rabbits nose

Question
Hello. I was recently given a rabbit that a friend of my parents found at a car wash. I love all animals and I am concerned for my new found friend. He is very active, eats well. I have had rabbits before, but I have never came across this. I have no clue what it is and he will not allow anyone to clean it out. Could you please tell me what it might be and what I can do for him. Thank you. Heaven Leigh Slater

Answer
Dear Heaven,

White nasal discharge is a sign of an upper respiratory infection, and it's important to get bun to a good rabbit vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.  You can find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and read more about this problem here:

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

It's important that the vet take a sample of the discharge for culture and sensitivity testing:

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

so you'll be sure to get the right rabbit-safe antibiotic that will be effective against the particular species and strain of bacteria causing this problem.

It's also possible that the origin of the infection is rooted in the teeth, as molar and/or incisor roots can become infected and cause nasal discharge.  A good rabbit vet can diagnose this properly and prescribe proper treatment.  You can read more about this here:

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

I hope this helps. Please write back if you have any other questions.  (I'll be at a vet conference until Tuesday, but after that, I'll be available again.)

Good luck!

Dana