Pasteurellosis ("Snuffles")

What is it?

Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, which many rabbits carry. Stress, poor ventilation, or other illness can let it cause disease. It most often affects the nose and eyes but can spread to the ears, lungs, teeth, and other areas, often forming abscesses.

What signs should I watch for?

Signs to watch for include sneezing and white or yellow nasal discharge, runny or crusty eyes, matted fur on the inside of the front paws, head tilt from an inner-ear infection, and firm lumps under the skin.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is based on the exam, with cultures, X-rays, or CT to judge how far infection has spread. Treatment usually involves a long course of antibiotics; abscesses often require surgery.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Infection can be hard to clear completely and may flare up.
• Clean, well-ventilated housing, low ammonia levels, and low stress help prevent flare-ups.