Strange noises!

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
My rabbit has been making unusual noises for about 6 weeks now.  She is 6 yrs old and and to be honest seems pretty healthy.  She is an outdoor rabbit (kept in a fairly large hutch).  She had a mite problem which was treated and she has been x'rayed and kept overnight to check for the noises.  After the x-ray which came back clear, she seemed ok for about 3 weeks and then started again.  I have been advised to put her back on Metacam to see if that helps.  She is eating normally and the stools seem ok.  Any ideas?
Answer -
Dear Natalie,

Could you describe the noises?  Are they vocal?  Do they sound as if they're coming from her nose?  Her chest?

Without more detail, I can't even begin to guess.

Hope to hear back from you soon.

Dana

Well, initially id have said it was like squeezing a squeaky toy and letting it go if you know what I mean.  So propbably more nasal.  The last couple of times that I have seen her do it, you can see her breathing right in if you know what I mean.  Thats a couple of days back on the metacam and i dont think she has been as bad.  I cleaned her out yesterday and there was soft stools but equally plenty of normal ones and eating it still absolutely fine.

I really appreciate your help.

Answer
Dear Natalie,

If she's making these noises while at rest, she might just have a floppy soft palate, and this makes her "snore" when she's relaxed.  We have a couple of rabbits who do this.

However, if it sounds as if she's congested, she may have an upper respiratory infection. Please see:

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

Also soft stools are an indication that something is wrong, however cryptic.  Please see:

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

And since soft stools are often caused by molar problems (which also could be causing odd sounds as she breathes), please also read:

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

To find a good rabbit vet to help you, please go to:

www.rabbit.org/vets

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

Dana