Rabbit snuffles (coryza): symptoms, treatment and prevention

Veterinary warning — A rabbit that sneezes frequently, has crusty nostrils, or a persistent nasal discharge should be examined by a rabbit-savvy vet. Untreated snuffles can progress to pneumonia or serious internal abscesses. This guide is informational and does not replace a veterinary consultation.

Rabbit snuffles — also called rabbit coryza — is a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract, most commonly caused by Pasteurella multocida. It is one of the most frequent infectious diseases in domestic rabbits, and one of the most underestimated by owners who mistake it for a passing cold. Recognising the early signs, getting a prompt veterinary diagnosis, and completing an appropriate antibiotic course makes the difference between a controlled condition and a debilitating chronic infection.

Causes and bacterial agents

Pasteurella multocida: the main culprit

Pasteurella multocida is naturally present in the nasal cavity of many healthy rabbits without causing disease — these animals are called asymptomatic carriers. Disease breaks out when the rabbit’s immune defences are weakened: stress, environmental change, overcrowding, poor hygiene, nutritional deficiency, or concurrent illness.

Secondary agents

Other bacteria can be involved alone or as co-infections with Pasteurella:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica: more often associated with lower respiratory involvement
• Staphylococcus spp.: frequently found in associated abscesses
• Moraxella catarrhalis and other opportunistic commensals

A nasal swab for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing identifies the responsible agent and guides antibiotic choice — a step that is often skipped but is essential, especially for recurrent or treatment-resistant cases.

Symptoms: stages of snuffles

Early stage

The first signs can be subtle and easily attributed to environmental irritation:

• Repeated sneezing, several times per hour
• Serous (clear, watery) nasal discharge
• Rabbit still eating and active
• Slightly moist nostrils

At this stage, the front paws are not yet damp — the rabbit is not yet constantly rubbing its nose.

Established stage

Without treatment, the infection progresses:

• Mucopurulent discharge: the discharge thickens and becomes white, then creamy-yellow
• Crusty nostrils: crusts reform quickly after cleaning
• Wet, matted forepaws: the rabbit continually wipes its nose with its front legs, leaving the inner surface damp and sticky — a highly characteristic sign that is often overlooked
• Slightly audible or mildly wheezy breathing
• Mild reduction in appetite

Advanced stage and complications

Poorly managed or untreated snuffles can lead to serious complications:

• Otitis media or interna: infection spreads via the Eustachian tube to the middle or inner ear. Signs: head tilt (torticollis), loss of balance, rolling, nystagmus.
• Bacterial pneumonia: infection descends into the lungs. Signs: laboured, abdominal breathing, bluish tinge to mucous membranes.
• Retrobulbar abscesses: infection reaches the eye socket. Signs: exophthalmia (bulging eye), excessive tearing, peri-ocular swelling.
• Subcutaneous or visceral abscesses: Pasteurella is notoriously difficult to treat once abscesses form, because rabbit pus is caseous (thick, cheese-like) and poorly penetrated by most antibiotics.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs alone can suggest snuffles but cannot identify the specific bacterium responsible. A nasopharyngeal swab with bacterial culture and sensitivity testing is strongly recommended, particularly for recurring or treatment-resistant cases.

Skull and chest radiographs may be indicated to assess the extent of infection (sinusitis, tympanic bullae, lung involvement).

Treatment

Targeted antibiotherapy

Treatment relies on antibiotics active against Pasteurella multocida, selected according to sensitivity results:

Important: oral penicillin is contraindicated in rabbits — it causes potentially fatal enterotoxaemia by disrupting gut flora. Never use antibiotics intended for other species without veterinary prescription.

Treatment duration is typically 2–6 weeks. Stopping early promotes relapse and antibiotic resistance.

Supportive care

Alongside antibiotic treatment:

• Gentle nostril cleaning with a damp cotton pad to remove crusts and ease breathing
• Saline nebulisation if recommended by your vet (helps liquefy secretions)
• Maintaining appetite: offer a variety of hays and fresh herbs — a rabbit eating well recovers better
• Stress reduction: isolate the sick rabbit if possible to limit contagion and reduce the social stress of competition

If snuffles triggers gut stasis through anorexia, see our guide on rabbit GI stasis for managing that complication.

Prognosis

Snuffles caught and treated early often responds well. However, Pasteurella multocida can go latent and re-emerge. Rabbits with chronic snuffles need:

• Regular veterinary check-ups (every 3–6 months)
• Careful monitoring for signs of relapse, especially after stressful events
• Environmental optimisation to reduce trigger factors

The prognosis is guarded when pneumonia, multiple abscesses, or lasting head tilt from inner ear disease are present.

Spread and cohabitation with other rabbits

If you have a multi-rabbit household, an affected rabbit should ideally be isolated during treatment. Pasteurella spreads easily through:

• Nose-to-nose contact
• Droplets from sneezing
• Shared food bowls, toys, or accessories
• Shared litter trays

Any new rabbit entering the home should complete a 2–3 week quarantine before contact with resident rabbits, even if it appears healthy (asymptomatic carrier possible). For vaccination best practices, see our guide on rabbit vaccination.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine against rabbit snuffles (unlike myxomatosis and RHD). Prevention rests on the following measures:

• Strict hygiene: regular cleaning of the enclosure, litter tray, and accessories
• Good ventilation without cold draughts: stale air promotes respiratory infections
• Low-dust bedding: avoid pine shavings or high-dust litters; favour hemp or compressed paper bedding
• Stress management: minimise sudden environmental changes, avoid overcrowding
• Balanced diet: a rabbit fed correctly (unlimited hay, fresh vegetables, limited pellets) has a stronger immune system
• Systematic quarantine for any new rabbit

For the broader picture of rabbit respiratory health — including the benign causes of sneezing — see our article on why rabbits sneeze, which covers the full differential.

For an overview of general rabbit health and recommended vet visits, visit the rabbit species page.