Pneumonia in Rabbits and its Signs and Symptoms

Let's discuss about pneumonia in rabbits and its signs and symptoms. If you know anything about pneumonia in humans, you know how serious it can be. Pneumonia in rabbits is no different. If your rabbit has pneumonia and it goes unnoticed or untreated, it can be fatal.

Pneumonia is when there is inflammation in the lungs causing severe problems with the whole respiratory system. The inflammation is usually the result of some type of infection which could be bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic.

Sometimes pneumonia occurs when a rabbit actually inhales something and the object gets into their lung. Inhaling chemicals or smoke are one thing that could cause pneumonia. Some dental diseases can also lead to pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia is rabbits may vary, but the most common ones include sneezing, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, fever, drooling, nose or eye discharge, and facial abscesses.

There is no way for a rabbit owner to figure out how their pet got ill, so take them to a veterinarian who can determine the cause and start the proper treatment. Veterinarians will run blood and urine tests, they may also take chest x-rays and run some other tests to determine the exact some of a rabbit's pneumonia.

Knowing what caused pneumonia allows a veterinarian to give a rabbit the most effective medication. Bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections all require different medications. Oxygen therapy and fluid therapy may also treatment options for rabbits with pneumonia.

Always contact a veterinarian at the first sign of anything being wrong with your pet. Pets can get minor colds like people, however not all pets have the same symptoms and not all symptoms may be very noticeable. If something seems abnormal with your pet, at least get them a check up because something like pneumonia can be easily treated, however, without treatment you beloved pet could die. 

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.