Pasteurellosis is recognized as a highly prevalent and serious bacterial disease affecting domestic rabbits globally. This condition, often colloquially termed “snuffles,” represents a significant health concern due to its chronic nature and potential to affect multiple body systems. The disease is frequently encountered in veterinary practice, underlining the importance of early recognition and prompt intervention. Understanding the ways this infection takes hold can dramatically improve a rabbit’s outcome.
Understanding the Cause and Transmission
The specific bacterial agent responsible for this infection is Pasteurella multocida, a gram-negative coccobacillus. This bacterium is widespread, and a large portion of the rabbit population, estimated to be between 30% and 90% of healthy animals, are asymptomatic carriers of the organism. The bacteria often reside harmlessly in the upper respiratory tract of these carriers.
Transmission occurs primarily through direct contact, such as grooming or mating, or through infectious respiratory secretions. Aerosol droplets released by a sneeze can easily spread the bacteria to others in close proximity. Indirect transmission is also possible via fomites, which are contaminated objects like bedding, food bowls, or human hands. The bacteria’s dormant state is often activated by predisposing factors, including stress, overcrowding, poor ventilation, or other concurrent illnesses that suppress the rabbit’s immune system.
Identifying the Diverse Clinical Signs
Pasteurellosis is known for its diverse clinical presentations, as the infection can localize in many different areas of the rabbit’s body.
Respiratory Signs
The classic manifestation, known as “snuffles,” involves the respiratory tract, beginning with a thin, watery nasal discharge that progresses to a thicker, yellowish-white mucopurulent exudate. Rabbits will often sneeze and paw at their irritated noses, leading to matted or crusty fur on their forepaws. If the infection descends into the lower respiratory tract, it can cause severe pneumonia, leading to labored breathing or a moist cough.
Ocular and Aural Signs
The bacteria frequently affect the eyes, causing conjunctivitis, which is visible as inflammation of the eyelids and excessive tearing. The nasolacrimal ducts can become blocked by the thick discharge, resulting in epiphora (weepy eyes) and subsequent skin scalding below the eyes. When the infection travels via the Eustachian tube, it can lead to otitis media or interna, causing severe inner ear problems. This inner ear involvement typically manifests as torticollis, commonly known as “head tilt” or “wry neck,” alongside a noticeable loss of balance or circling behavior.
Systemic Infections
P. multocida can spread through the bloodstream and form localized, encapsulated pus pockets called abscesses. These abscesses can develop subcutaneously or deep within internal organs, bones, or joints. They present as firm, non-draining lumps due to the unique, thick consistency of rabbit pus. Less commonly, the bacteria can cause infections in the reproductive tract, leading to conditions like pyometra, which is the accumulation of pus in the uterus of female rabbits.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment Protocols
A definitive diagnosis of pasteurellosis relies on a combination of clinical observation and specific diagnostic testing. The veterinarian will initially assess the rabbit’s clinical signs, noting the location and severity of symptoms. To confirm the causative organism and guide treatment, a bacterial culture and sensitivity test is often performed. This involves obtaining a sample, typically a deep nasal swab or a sample from an abscess, to determine which antibiotics are effective against the specific strain of bacteria present.
Imaging tools, such as X-rays or CT scans, are also utilized to determine the extent of internal infection. X-rays can reveal signs of pneumonia or changes in the bony structures of the middle ear. Treatment protocols primarily revolve around long-term systemic antibiotic therapy, often for a period of several weeks, to maximize the chance of penetrating the site of infection. Antibiotics must be carefully selected based on the sensitivity results and safety for rabbits, which have sensitive gastrointestinal systems.
Supportive care is a mandatory component of the treatment plan, especially for severely affected rabbits, and may include fluid therapy, pain management, and assisted feeding. Abscesses require aggressive management, typically involving surgical excision of the entire encapsulated mass rather than simple lancing and drainage.
Long-Term Management and Prevention Strategies
Since Pasteurella multocida is opportunistic, long-term management focuses heavily on minimizing environmental stressors to prevent the bacteria from becoming active. Owners must understand that while treatment can manage symptoms, it rarely eliminates the organism, meaning the rabbit may remain a carrier susceptible to future relapses.
Prevention strategies include:
- Maintaining a consistently clean environment with meticulous sanitation to reduce the overall bacterial load.
- Providing excellent ventilation to disperse aerosolized bacteria and prevent the buildup of respiratory irritants like ammonia.
- Reducing stress by maintaining stable social groups, providing adequate space, and ensuring a consistent routine.
- Implementing strict quarantine protocols for any new rabbit entering the household for several weeks.
- Ensuring a high-quality diet rich in hay to maintain proper gut health, which supports a robust immune response.
Regular veterinary check-ups allow for early detection of subtle signs of recurrence or chronic issues. Monitoring the rabbit’s daily food and water intake, weight, and general demeanor is an actionable way for owners to prevent immune suppression.