ModerateSee Vet Soon🫁 Respiratory SystemRabbit

Snuffles (Pasteurellosis) in Rabbits

A highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection caused primarily by Pasteurella multocida. The "common cold" of rabbits — but much more serious. Can become chronic and spread to other organs.

Last updated: 2026-05-08

Severity

moderate

When to Act

See Vet Soon

Symptoms & Signs

Nasal discharge

White, yellow, or green discharge from the nose. May be thick and crust around nostrils.

Always present

Sneezing

Frequent sneezing fits, often producing discharge.

Always present

Matted front paws

Rabbit wipes its nose with front paws, leaving the inner forelegs crusted with dried discharge.

Very common

Difficulty breathing

Noisy breathing, open-mouth breathing in severe cases.

Sometimes occurs

Eye discharge or conjunctivitis

Infection can spread to the eyes via the tear ducts.

Sometimes occurs

Behavioral Changes to Watch For

Pets can't tell us what's wrong. These behavioral changes are often the first clues that something is wrong.

🐾 Decreased activity

Rabbit conserves energy while fighting infection.

What You May Notice:

Your rabbit sleeps more than usual and shows less interest in play.

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes

•Pasteurella multocida — most common bacterial agent
•Bordetella bronchiseptica (especially if exposed to dogs or guinea pigs)
•Staphylococcus species
•Stress-induced immune suppression reactivates latent Pasteurella infections

Risk Factors

⚠Stress (overcrowding, poor ventilation, temperature extremes, transport)
⚠Young rabbits (recently weaned)
⚠Concurrent illness
⚠Poor husbandry — dirty cage, ammonia buildup from urine
⚠Exposure to infected rabbits

How It's Diagnosed

1Clinical signs and physical examination
2Nasal swab culture and sensitivity (ideal but may be difficult to collect uncontaminated)
3Skull radiographs to assess nasal passages and tooth roots
4Blood work if systemic involvement suspected

Treatment Options

medication

Antibiotic Therapy

Long courses are often needed. Choose antibiotics based on culture results when possible.

Steps

1.Enrofloxacin (Baytril) — commonly used first-line
2.Trimethoprim-sulfa (TMPS) — alternative
3.Doxycycline — for Mycoplasma or Chlamydophila
4.Minimum 14-28 day course; chronic cases may need 6-8 weeks
5.Nebulization with saline or antibiotics in severe cases

Expected Outcome

Clinical improvement within 5-7 days. Complete resolution may take weeks.

Precautions

!NEVER give oral penicillin/amoxicillin to rabbits — causes fatal enterotoxemia
!Complete the full antibiotic course even if symptoms improve

home care

Supportive Home Care

Helping the rabbit breathe and eat during recovery.

Steps

1.Keep nostrils clean — gently wipe away crusted discharge with warm, damp cloth
2.Use a humidifier or place rabbit in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes, 2-3x daily
3.Ensure rabbit is eating — syringe feed Critical Care if appetite decreases
4.Keep the environment clean and well-ventilated

Expected Outcome

Improved comfort and breathing during treatment.

Precautions

!Never use Vicks VapoRub or human cold products on or near rabbits

Common Medications Used

Medication	Usage	Important Notes
Enrofloxacin (Baytril)	Broad-spectrum antibiotic for rabbit respiratory infections	First-line for Pasteurella. Oral or injectable forms available.

Prevention

✓Quarantine new rabbits for 2-4 weeks before introducing to existing rabbits
✓Good ventilation — ammonia from urine predisposes to respiratory disease
✓Reduce stress — consistent routine, quiet environment, hiding spots
✓Clean, dry bedding changed regularly
✓Annual wellness checks with an exotic vet

When to See a Veterinarian

⚠️Thick colored nasal discharge
⚠️Labored or open-mouth breathing
⚠️Decreased appetite with respiratory signs
⚠️Sneezing + eye discharge

Frequently Asked Questions

Can snuffles go away on its own?

No. Snuffles is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. Without treatment, it can progress to pneumonia, spread to the middle/inner ear (causing head tilt), or become systemic and fatal. Some rabbits become chronic carriers even after treatment.

Prognosis

Good for acute cases with prompt treatment. Chronic carriers may have periodic flare-ups. Pasteurella can become a lifelong, latent infection that reactivates under stress.

References

[1] House Rabbit Society — Snuffles
[2] BSAVA — Rabbit Respiratory Disease