Why Does My Rabbit Have a Runny Nose?

A runny nose in rabbits — particularly with thick white or yellow discharge — most commonly indicates "snuffles," a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Pasteurella multocida. Unlike the clear, watery nasal discharge of a brief irritation, persistent coloured discharge requires veterinary treatment.

## Normal vs Abnormal Nasal Discharge

Normal: A very small amount of clear, watery discharge that clears quickly. Rabbits sometimes sneeze a few times after dusty hay or bedding — this resolves on its own.

Abnormal: White, yellow, or green thick discharge. Discharge on the inner forepaws (rabbits wipe their nose with their paws). Persistent sneezing. Noisy or laboured breathing.

## Snuffles (Pasteurella multocida)

Snuffles is the most common upper respiratory condition in domestic rabbits. Pasteurella bacteria colonise the nasal passages and can spread to the lungs, inner ear, tear ducts, and other organs.

Symptoms:
- Thick white or yellow nasal discharge
- Sneezing (often in clusters)
- Matted or damp fur on the inner forepaws from wiping the nose
- Watery or crusty eyes (the tear ducts connect to the nasal passages)
- In severe cases: tilted head (ear involvement), laboured breathing (pneumonia)

Snuffles is not curable but is manageable with antibiotics (never use amoxicillin/penicillin orally in rabbits — these are fatal). Long-term antibiotic courses are common.

## Other Causes of Nasal Discharge

Dental Disease
The roots of the upper cheek teeth sit directly adjacent to the nasal passages. Tooth root abscesses or molar elongation can cause unilateral (one-sided) nasal discharge. Dental X-rays are required to diagnose this.

Foreign Body in the Nasal Passage
Hay awns or plant material can lodge in the nostril. Sudden-onset sneezing with one-sided discharge in an otherwise healthy rabbit is a clue.

Environmental Irritants
Cedar and pine shavings, scented cleaning products, aerosol sprays, and cigarette smoke all irritate rabbit nasal passages. Switching to plain paper or hay-based bedding often resolves mild cases.

Upper Respiratory Infection (Other Bacteria)
Bordetella bronchiseptica and Staphylococcus aureus can also cause snuffles-like symptoms. Culture and sensitivity testing guides antibiotic choice.

Log the onset, discharge colour, and any associated symptoms in Flovvi before your vet appointment to build a complete picture.