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Nasal Discharge and Sneezing in Rabbits

Nasal discharges in rabbits may be characterized by its mucosity (thick and slimy), serosity (thin, watery), or blood-tinged color. Sneezing in rabbits, meanwhile, is much like sneezing in humans. The rabbit has a reflexive “expulsion” of air via the nose or nostrils; it is also typically accompanied by nasal discharge.

Symptoms and Types

There are many different types of nasal discharge and accompanying signs and symptoms. Serious nasal discharge often involves only mild irritation, and generally follows allergies and acute periods of inflammation. It is also a common symptom of early bacterial infections.

Mucus nasal discharge may even be associated with inflammation and allergies. Bacterial infections may lead to more voluminous nasal discharge that contains some blood or yellowish discharge. Tumors and other more serious diseases is another cause of blood-filled and pathogen-filled (viral or bacterial organisms) discharge from the nose.

Many systems are involved in nasal discharge and sneezing. These may include:

• The respiratory system, including the respiratory tract
• The ophthalmic system, including the eyes
• The musculoskeletal system, including the skull bones and muscles
• The lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes and immune system
• The neurological system

Causes

One of the most common causes for sneezing and nasal discharge is bacteria and infection. However, simple irritation of the nasal glands can also cause sneezing, as can allergies and inflammation of the nasal tissue.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can sometimes be difficult as there are so many potential underlying causes of the nasal discharge and sneezing. Causes can include bacterial infection, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bordetella bronchispetica and other anaerobes (bacteria that is capable of growing in an oxygen free environment). Dental diseases that cause abscesses are also a common finding in sneezing and nasal discharge in rabbits.

Sometimes foreign objects can penetrate the nasal cavity and dental orifices, causing problems such as infections, sneezing, and discharge. Your veterinarian will look at all of these issues when making the preliminary diagnosis. Other risk factors, including whether the rabbit has a compromised immune system, will be evaluated at the time of diagnosis.

Standard laboratory tests, including a blood profile, complete blood count, and a urinalysis will be done, and lab cultures of the discharge will be done to look for the presence of bacteria and other infectious pathogens. If a tumor is suspected, your veterinarian will need to take a sample of the mass for biopsy. This is the only way to conclude whether the mass is cancerous (malignant) or benign.