coughing, runny noses

Question
Two of my five rabbits, all of whom live together outside in NEwEngland, have ongoing thick white mucus (noses) and coughing that seems to be of the throat clearing kind, but it goes on and on for sometimes up to fifty coughs. I give antibiotics off and on, and have throughout the years, usually seeing improvement for a few weeks, then it all starts again, ragardless of season.  because the other 3 rabbits have not been affected, I'm confused about what  may be causing this in only 2 of my bunnies.   the coughing sometimes starts when they are eating,as if there is a blockage in the nasal drip/throat area...don't know tho, and my localvet is not a "bunny" expert.   I know the usual viral infection  (forget name, it's early) causes thick 'cottage cheese" like mucus...can it be that this thick stuff is causing the coughing...trying to clear it... but why haven't the others gotten what i thought was a very contagious virus? no one seems to know what is going on here...can you help?

thank you.

Answer
Dear Denise,

It sounds as if your bunnies are suffering from a chronic upper respiratory infection that may be resistant to the antibiotics you've been using.  I think it's time for a culture and sensitivity test, which can be done by your vet regardless of whether or not he's experienced with rabbits.  Please see:

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

for more information about this.  It will really help by allowing you to not only identify the bacteria causing the problem (it's not a virus), but also by telling the vet which *RABBIT SAFE* antibiotics will kill off the infection.  (Remember:  any oral penicillins or lincosamine antibiotics are deadly to rabbits and should *never* be prescribed!)

I hope this helps get you started.  Please write back if you have more questions.


Dana