Sparty Sneezing

[brook]

Well we have had Sparty for almost 2 weeks.  I noticed about 3 days ago that he seemed to kind of have the sniffles, maybe with a little sneeze, then I got to checking online about his bedding, i was using pine which i thought was ok since it was not cedar then I saw that you should use neither.  So i went out and bought some corn cob litter (which i now saw in a post isnt the best either) For the last 2 days it’s been about the same, maybe a little sneezy sniffle here and there but not much.  Now today I noticed his one nostril was a little crusty and wet so i cleaned it.  Now this morning he seems to be sneezing quite a bit more right in a row and wetter around the same nostril.  His hay is fresh and doesnt seem to be dusty.  I have Baytril from when we had Bomber, and I really cannot afford to get him to the vet in the next few days because my car needs a starter!!??  Could it be the powder carpet freshner (I dont use it in the room he stays in, but obviously it’s still scented in the vacuum cleaner), could it be the cat?  Any suggestions… should i start him on a small dose of baytril?

[Staja]

I would definitely swich his litter to something more rabbit friendly, if you haven’t already. As you’ve read, pine and corn cob are both unhealthy for your bun.  Carefresh, Yesterday’s News, Feline Pine, or even wooden stove pellets that aren’t treated with an accelerant are all much better options. You could also try shaking out his hay before you give it to him, sometimes hay dust can get up a bun’s nose and make him sneeze.  Also, any scented products (carpet powders, scented candles) are really bad for your rabbit, too.  Even though you may not use carpet powder in the bunny’s room, it definitely stays in the vacuum. (My roommate uses nasty rose carpet powder that makes both Warren and I sneeze – I just air out my room very well when I use it).

However, he may be sick. Check the insides of his front paws/legs, to see if there are any crusties there.  Also, keep an eye on his nose, and eyes, to see if they are watering.  It is possible for your rabbit to have allergies, but just as possible for him to be sick. If something doesn’t seem right, call your vet at the least, before starting him on any meds. If your vet wants to see him, see if there are any payment plans or such for the visit your vet may be able to work out.

Good luck, and I hope your little guy’s feeling better soon!

[KatnipCrzy]

The fact that you have not had him long and his nose was a little crusty or wet makes me tend to think this could be an illness as opposed to an irritation or allergy.

I would call your vet and at least talk to them.  If they see bunnies as patients- maybe they have seen some other bunnies from the pet store- and if they have been sick- then you know that Sparty has a good chance of being ill also.  Plus you would probably need to double check the dosage for Sparty as it does vary by weight.  And if you do not have enough left for a full course of treatment- it is just like humans not taking the full course and developing resistance (although Baytril is a “big gun” in antibiotics).

I would cuddle with him in a quiet area and see if you can hear any breathing sounds from him that you have not heard from him before.

Either way- I would at least call your vet- a phone call is free- but piece on mind can be priceless. 

[brook]

Sparty getting his heat compress

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[brook]

We went to the vet and were able to use his Baytril. He has a clogged lacrimal gland which is draining to his nose. The heat compress will help loosen the clog. And he is getting saline drops until I can get back to the vet in a day or two for his antibiotic eye drops.

[Gravehearted]

ooo glad you got him in, hopeful the baytril will have him feeling much better!

[RabbitPam]

Better now?

[bunnytowne]

poor little fellow ouch he wasn’t feeling good. well now he will be up and around in no time he is being seen too great job. awe the hot compresses heheee. cute. I bet he is feeling some better arleady

[brook]

Yes, he is feeling 100% better now after a few days of antibiotics. I havent noticed his nose dripping at all and only a small sneeze every now and then.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Glad to hear Sparty is recovering well with help from his faithful mum and the care of a vet. That’s great you were able to use the Baytril rather than having to buy more (it can be expensive).

[Author]

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