Difficulty breathing in rabbits can occur due to a number of causes. Lung disease can be caused by infection with either bacteria or fungi. Fluid or air around and collapsing the lungs can also cause rabbits to struggle to breathe. Upper airway obstruction from nasal discharge can also result in trouble breathing and can be caused by blood from trauma, upper respiratory infection, irritants, tumors, polyps, extension of dental disease into the nasal cavity, or nasal foreign bodies. Non-respiratory causes of illness can also result in heavy breathing such as cardiac disease resulting in congestive heart failure or severe distension of the abdomen with gas or fluid putting pressure on the diaphragm.
Patients exhibit abdominal breathing, severe increase in respiratory effort, and open-mouth breathing.
On arrival, stable patients who are struggling to breathe should have their blood oxygen level tested with Pulse oximetry. Radiographs of the head, neck, and chest are recommended to evaluate the respiratory tract. A complete blood count and blood chemistry panel will let your veterinarian know more about if an infection may be involved as well as any involvement of other organ systems. Additional tests that might be recommended depending on the patient’s clinical signs include ultrasound and a chest tap if fluid is present.
Unstable patients should be placed in an oxygen chamber immediately. Handling should be minimal. Sedation may be necessary to calm panicked patients in order to allow for diagnostics and treatments. Heat support should be provided for hypothermic patients. Medications will highly depend on the underlying cause and may include prescription antibiotics, diuretics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories.
Prognosis is guarded to the poor as these are critical in all cases.
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