Does my rabbit have a cold or snuffles?

Question
Hi, im very worried about my rabbit. For the past few days my rabbit has been sneezing and when i put a tissue up so his nose there was a little discharge on it, not a lot. It wasn't thick or yellow. It was just a clear little spot. A couple months ago I did hear him sneeze a couple times but then it stopped. But now he's starting to sneeze everyday. I checked his paws and they are dry yet I do see him wiping his nose sometimes. But not a lot. He started sneezing earlier this week and thats when I cleaned his cage. So I assumed that the bedding was a little dusty because it was clean and in its package. But that was five days ago and he's still sneezing. I didn't understand why he was still sneezing when the bedding isn't as fresh and dusty now as it was when I cleaned his cage. I don't know if its a cold or that respiratory illness that rabbits get called snuffles. But even if it's the common cold should I take him to the vet anyway? How can I tell if he has the symptoms for snuffles or the symptoms for a cold? Please I need your help.

Answer
Dear R,

Rabbits don't get colds, which are caused by a virus. But they do get upper respiratory infections caused by bacteria, and these need to be treated appropriately with the correct antibiotic for the particular bacteria causing the problem.  You can read more about this here:

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

and *especially*:

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

I'd strongly urge you to read those so you'll know what to ask the vet when you go.

Sometimes a sneezy nose can be caused by a foreign body up the nose, or even dental problems (though this is more common in rabbits who are four years or older).  But just to bring you up to speed on that, you might also read:

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

You'll need a good vet familiar with rabbit medicine to help you, and you can find one with the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps. Please write back if you have any other quesitons, and have a peaceful, safe holiday!

Dana