Health - Colds

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

Your rabbit has an upper respiratory infection, but he didn't catch it from you.  Your cold was caused by a virus, which is not transmissible to rabbits.  In rabbits, the symptoms you describe are caused by bacteria such as Pasteurella, Pseudomonas, Staph, or any numbe of other nasty bugs.

Unfortunately, this will not get better without the proper veterinary care, and since he's got thick mucus coming from his nose, this should not be left until later.  Please get him to a good vet ASAP, but be sure you find one who is experienced with *rabbits*, since some dog/cat vets--as well-meaning as they might be--can actually do more harm than good if they do not know the special needs of rabbits.  

You should be able to find a good rabbit vet near you here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

But if not, write back to me with your general location and I can try to help with a referral.

Please also read:

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

before you go, so you will know what to ask the vet, and what to expect in terms of diagnostic tests and treatment options.

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

Dana