What is Snuffles?
If you have read any rabbit resources regarding respiratory infections, snuffles will have appeared before you. Commonly labelled “Snuffles”, this is really referring to rhinitis – ie nasal/sinus infection.
Signs of snuffles include;
- Stertor – Snoring sounds
- Sneezing
- Nasal disease
- Nasal discharge- serous first, then purulent as it becomes chronic
Commonly snuffles is labelled as being caused by Pasteurella multocida – Pasteurellosis. This may NOT technically be wrong. This concept has arisen primarily from rabbit colonies – for production or science – that end up with widespread respiratory infections. However, as you may remember from dealing with calves in calving sheds, pigs in piggeries, or cats in a cattery – not all respiratory disease is due to infection, or pasteurella.
Factors that may cause upper airway inflammation or irritation:
- Air quality
- Stressors
- Crowding
- Poor Hygiene
- Viruses – Myxomatosis or RHDV
- Foreign bodies
But how does this apply to pet rabbits?
- Air quality – ie smoking indoors, incense, candles, etc
- Stressors – other pets, other people
- Crowding -lots of rabbits, pets or people in a small space
- Poor hygiene – dirty bedding or housing
- Viruses
- Foreign bodies
So if you see a snuffling rabbit – examine them, if possible check out a deep nasal swab and send it off for C&S.
Hop to it!
References:
- Varga, M. Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. 2nd ed. Elsevier. 2014.
Exotics Vets 