Infected nose

Question
My rabbits nose appears to be infected.  Her nose looks like it is scabbed over, raw in spots, red and is constantly running.  She keeps blowing her nose to keep it clear.  However, this condition has not changed her appetite; she continues to eat like normal.  I have been putting neosporin on her nose.  Will this help? How does this happen?

Answer
Dear Carolyn

Without seeing the bunny it's impossible for me to know for sure what's going on, but I can tell you that Neosporin will not cure it.  Here are the possibilities:

1.  Mange.  This will make the nose crusty and bloody.  It's due to microscopic mites, and can easily be treated with Revolution (selamectin) from your vet.  Please see:

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

for complete information. DO NOT use Frontline, as it can be deadly to rabbits.

2.  Rabbit syphillis.  This is caused by a bacterium known as Treponema cuniculi, and it usually manifests as lesions on the nose and around the genitals.  It is not contagious to humans, but it's miserable for the bunny. It is easily cured with five consecutive daily injections of Penicillin-G Procaine from your vet.  DO NOT use any oral penicillins on your bunny, as they will kill him.  Only injectible Pen-G Procaine (or its alternative form, bicillin, which is used every *other* day) is safe for rabbits.

3.  Upper respiratory infection.  If the bunny has a very runny nose, the irritation can cause scabbing.  You can read more about diagnosis and treatment of this problem here:

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

4.  Abscess.  If your bunny has an abscess on his nose, it will be swollen and may be bloody where the skin cracks open.  This will have to be treated by a rabbit-experienced veterinarian who can do a culture and sensitivity test on any pus in the abscess:

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

Long story short:  Bun needs to go to a good rabbit vet for correct diagnosis and treatment.  You can find a good rabbit vet in your area with the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

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

Dana