Let me apologize in advance for the obscenely long post.
So my bunny Farley is eight years old. For about six weeks, he’s had what my vet has been telling me is an upper respiratory infection. He’s been on a whole host of medication since then… Albon, little colds (a decongestant), baytril (from an animal ER vet) and then reglan and simethicone for digestive issues from the albon.
I first noticed something was wrong when he started having these episodes I can only describe as choking. He was still breathing, so it was not truly choking but that’s really what it looked like. He does this head bob thing, almost like a pigeon. Sometimes he only moves his head back, like he’s trying to give himself a double chin. He’ll open his mouth really wide and eventually a ton of mucus will come out of his mouth and nose. The mucus is clear and moderately thick. It’s basically the consistency of human mucus but with more thick, stringy bits in it. Sometimes there is a bit of green in it from something he’s eaten. It’s happened almost ten times and my vet said not to worry about it unless it happens several times a week. After Farley has his episodes he seems fine, a little congested, but otherwise fine. Even during them, he’s not freaking out or anything. Honestly, I’m more upset than he ever is.
I’ve been using a humidifier and space heater in my room (where Farley has free run) and I think it’s been helping? Although I love my vet as a person, I’m beginning to wonder if he’s the right choice for Farley at this point in his life. He hasn’t done tests of any kind aside from listening to his lungs. He was worried about Farley going into pneumonia, but the ER vet said that Farley’s lungs sounded fine. (I brought him because his respiration was about 180/min and it seemed that it was more difficult for him to breathe. When we got there the vet said his temp was 104.8. They gave him subQ fluids, an anti-inflammatory, and the baytril). So I’m going to make him an appointment with a new vet this week to get a second opinion.
Aside from the choking/mucus episodes and more frequent sneezing, he seems fine. He’s eating and pooping like normal. Actually, he’s eating more than ever. The vet said he felt bony so maybe that’s why? He’s still his typical mischievous, cuddly self. Most of the time he doesn’t even sound very congested. I haven’t really noticed him sleeping more than usual. He does has a history of ear infections (apparently his ear canals have a lot of folds) and he has a spike on one of his molars that the vet files regularly.
So my question is has this happened to any of your buns? And if so, what was it (upper respiratory, pneumonia, jaw abscess, etc.) and what kind of treatment wound up working? Any input or thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks!!