Can Pet Rabbits Get Pneumonia?

Can rabbits get pneumonia? Pneumonia can be a dangerous illness to have and unfortunately pneumonia does occur in adorable pet rabbits. After reading this article you will understand what causes pneumonia in rabbits, and how to treat it.

What is pneumonia? It is a condition that affects the respiratory system of a person of animal. It is when there is inflammation in the lungs. There are various causes of pneumonia such as infections and environmental factors.

Pneumonia can actually be caused by pretty much any type of infection, bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Even things such as dental diseases can result in a rabbit having pneumonia.

So, how do infections cause pneumonia? Bacteria is usually inhaled or enters through the rabbits bloodstream.  The bacteria enters the respiratory tract and the body has a severe reaction including swelling, lack of blood supply, and even tissue death and sometimes a lung can collapse. Viral infection actually make a rabbit more susceptible to bacterial infections.

Fungi spores can also be inhaled to enter through the bloodstream. Fungal infections leads to poor oxygen distribution in the lungs. Pneumonia caused by parasites occurs because the parasites cause damage to cells in the lungs and therefore disturbing the amount of oxygen a rabbit gets.  

Symptoms of pneumonia in rabbits includes loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, lethargy, drooling, just to name a few. The signs of pneumonia are usually noticeable and will typically become worse if left untreated. Rabbits with pneumonia that never receive any treatment, often die.

Pneumonia is very serious so take your rabbit to the veterinarian if you notice anything abnormal. Medication can be prescribed and you will also have to make sure your rabbit eats and stays hydrated. If caught early pneumonia can be treated and a rabbit can lead a full recovery.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.