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Health - A Cold

22 11:38:34

Question
I think my rabbit has a cold. He's a mini lop and is 7 or 8 mos. old. He's sneezing and I see thick mucus coming out of his nose.  I had a cold a few weeks ago and he was around me.  He was sneezing slightly last week, but is sneezing more this week.

What should I do?  Should I take him to the vet asap?  Thanks for your assistance.


Answer
Dear Gwendolyn,

It does sound like your rabbit has a cold, all right. He would not have gotten it from you, though, at least I do not think so, but all I have heard about it is that rabbits do not catch human colds.

It is good you noticed this, as rabbit sneezing with mucus coming out of the nose can be serious. You will probably want to get some help soon--possibly a vet. Our local rabbit 4-H leader where I live gives 4-H rabbits, as well as her own, penicillin shots when they get sick like your rabbit (or in other ways). If you can find someone to try that, it might help. Other than that, I am not sure what to suggest, other than keep his living quarters sanitary. Provide plenty of fresh, clean water, fresh food, and timothy or grass hay, if possible. Keep a close eye on him. Sometimes rabbits' colds can be fatal, particularly if it develops into pnemonia. But with excellent care, some rabbits can recover, though the symptoms can re-occur. An important note, though, is that your bunny should be kept away from other rabbits, as rabbit colds are quite contagious to other rabbits.

I hope your bunny gets better.
God Bless
AEJ