Vet-Approved Content
Yesterday, I experienced human nature at its best — and worst.
During afternoon surgery, a message came through from reception: A pet rabbit was on the way in as an emergency. The rabbit was having seizures.
The client arrived not in a car, but on a bicycle.
This young girl had pedaled to the clinic, the rabbit tenderly wrapped in a blanket, balanced in the shopping basket on the handlebars. She was just 14 … and alone.
And where were her parents? They were at home and had refused to help because, as they said, “It’s just a rabbit.”
Read on to find out and to learn more about Pasteurella in rabbits.
The Story of One Rabbit
Flushed and tearful, the girl cradled her sick rabbit.
He was very ill and only semi-conscious. He had a thick white discharge from his nose, was struggling to breathe and was thin.
It turned out his young friend was a dedicated nurse to this rabbit: syringe-feeding him moistened kibble, cleaning his nose and keeping him warm.
I suspected a bacterial infection, common in rabbits, called Pasteurella. What the rabbit needed was veterinary attention and antibiotics, but the girl’s parents had refused to help.
He had an advanced infection with secondary pneumonia. Sadly, this poor bunny was past the point of no return, and the kindest thing was to end his suffering through euthanasia.
His dedicated young friend took the news well and was incredibly brave.
She cried, but out of relief that he was now at peace. Then she got back on her bike to cycle home. Alone.
What is Pasteurella in Rabbits?
Pasteurella in rabbits is very common. It is also sometimes known the name of snuffles.
It’s a bacteria that many kits pick up from their mother at birth. It’s one of those things that can live peaceably with the rabbit:
- When the host rabbit has a strong immune system, the Pasteurella does not make them sick.
- But if the rabbit’s immune defenses are weakened, Pasteurella takes advantage.
Like an unwelcome houseguest, the bacteria does its own thing, generally making itself at home in the nose, sinuses and ears, or even joints and skin.
In a vicious circle, this further weakens the rabbit’s immune system. Secondary problems, such as pneumonia or meningitis, then set in.
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The resulting infection, if running unchecked, can spread through all the body systems and eventually cause death.
Symptoms of Pasteurella in Rabbits
One of the commonest signs of Pasteurella in rabbits is the snuffles.
Pasteurella’s preferred site is the nose and nasal sinuses, resulting in sneezing and white discharge from the nose.
Other Pasteurella in rabbits symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- White discharge from the nose
- Thick discharge from the eyes
- A head tilt
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Abscesses
- Breathing difficulties
- Reluctance to move
A snotty nose might not sound like much, but it is to a rabbit. This is because rabbits are “obligate nasal breathers,” meaning they can breathe only through their nose and not their mouth.
Think of the last time you had a cold with a bunged-up nose. How unpleasant was that? And we’re able to breathe through our mouths.
Think of having that same cold but with your mouth taped closed.
Not nice — not nice at all.
Pasteurella in Rabbits Treatment
Pasteurella is a bacteria, so antibiotics can help.
But this isn’t always straightforward because antibiotics and rabbits don’t mix well (rabbits easily get upset tummies). Plus, it can be difficult to totally get rid of the Pasteurella.
Antibiotics
- Sometimes a long course of antibiotics, 4–6 weeks, is needed.
- Even then, the symptoms may come back when treatment stops. This is because the immune system needs to pull its weight and fight back.
- If it doesn’t do this, then the rabbit will suffer long-term infection.
Reduce Stress
- Stress weakens the immune system.
- Sadly, it doesn’t take much to stress a rabbit. Things like seeing a cat, hearing a dog or moving house are all causes of stress in a rabbit’s world.
- It’s important to do everything possible to create a stress-free environment. This means providing a clean, living space with plenty of hiding places, along with mental stimulation (boredom itself is stressful).
- Also, provide an appropriate diet of good-quality hay or fresh grass, supplemented with fresh fruit and veg, and some pellets. For more on what pet rabbits should eat, see our Expert Guide to Caring for a Pet Rabbit.
Nursing Care
- Nursing is also crucial.
- That dirty nose needs constant cleaning to help the rabbit breathe. They won’t eat much because they’re struggling to breathe, so syringe-feeding liquids is essential.
- Without it, the gut can go to sleep, which is a serious complication in itself.
- It’s also a good idea to separate sick rabbits. Not only is the ill bunny a risk to the others, but also they may be bullied if others sense weakness. Bullying is stressful and makes things worse.
The Outlook for Pasteurella in Rabbits
When the infection is caught early and the rabbits are given appropriate care, many rabbits do OK.
However, it’s a sad fact that often the infection is far progressed by the time the sick rabbits make it to the vet. They then need long courses of treatment and may not do so well.
How to Prevent Pasteurella in Rabbits
Hygiene is an important step to help prevent Pasteurella in rabbits. Maintaining fresh and clean water bowls and eating areas could help. Keeping up with a tidy living space, ensuring proper ventilation in the rabbit’s area, feeding them a healthy diet, minimizing stress, and regular vet check-ups can also help to prevent the snuffles in rabbits.
Learn more about snuffles and Pastuerella in rabbits in this quick video:
A Caring Neighbor
It’s likely I couldn’t have saved the rabbit yesterday, but the girl’s parents should have been there to support her.
Instead of the veterinarian’s arm around her, it should have been a mother’s or a father’s.
But my bruised faith in human nature was soothed a short time later. The girl had been gone around 10 minutes when her neighbor turned up.
He’d seen her set off on the outward journey and thought it odd. He’d spoken to the parents, pieced together the sad story, and come in search to try and help.
He arrived too late, but at least someone cared enough to understand she shouldn’t have had to face the loss of a beloved pet alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Pasteurella in Rabbits Contagious to Humans?
Yes, it could be contagious to humans. That’s why it is important to handle rabbits with caution and use proper hygiene practices. It is also spreadable between rabbits, so keeping them away from those that are infected is likely a good idea.
How Common is Pasteurella in Rabbits?
Pasteurella in rabbits is fairly common and so it’s important to keep an eye on your rabbit and their symptoms and to have regular check-ups with a vet as needed.
What Causes Pasteurella in Rabbits?
It is caused by the bacteria Pasteurella and it can be transmitted easily between rabbits through contact.
References
- Claricoates, Kristin, DVM. “Pasteurella in Rabbits.” Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital. 2004.
- Oglesbee, Barbara L., DVM, Dip ABVP. Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Small Mammal, Second Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2011.
- Pet Talk. “A Case of the Snuffles.” College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. April 12, 2012.
This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last reviewed July 27, 2018 and updated July 12, 2024.
If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
