My rabbit can't breathe and is in pain. Should I consider euthanasia?

Question

Hello, I came home yesterday and found my rabbit gasping for air through his mouth. I rushed him straight to the vet but all she gave me was baytril. He can't breathe through his nose, he is grinding his teeth in pain and he won't drink, he only eats his pellets I softened with water, no hay. He seems to be in a lot if pain. He is unable to sleep, he ebds uo gasping for air everytime he tries.I think there's something obstructing his airway, I can afford surgery, is the best option euthanixation. Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | 4 years and 2 months old | 3.8 lbs

Elva Ma DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm so sorry to hear that Chubbs is so ill. It sounds like he is in a lot of discomfort. Unfortunately rabbits are obligate nose-breathers, which means that they cannot breathe through their mouths if their nose is obstructed. This makes snuffles (upper respiratory tract infection) very uncomfortable for rabbits. Surgery would not be the appropriate treatment for this guy. What he needs is antibiotic therapy to clear his infection, and to clear the secretions from his respiratory tract. Nebulization can help, which may be available at rabbit-specific veterinarians. He would also benefit from oxygen therapy, which would require hospitalization at the vet. I would call around and see if there are any other rabbit-savvy vets in your area that can provide these treatments. The only home treatments I could suggest for now would be steam therapy - e.g. put him in the bathroom with you while you take a shower, and let the steam help to open up his nasal passages. Gentle coupage may help as well, which involves gently patting him on the chest to help loosen any secretions in his lungs (only do this if it is not stressing him out, of course). If you are able to get him to a vet for hospitalization and he does not improve, I am afraid that euthanasia is a viable option at that point, since he will continue to be in distress from the inability to breathe. I hope this helps, and truly wish you luck with Chubbs.

My rabbit can't breathe and is in pain. Should I consider euthanasia?

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