Rabbit Pasteurella (Snuffles): Nasal Discharge and Respiratory Signs

Pasteurella multocida is the most common bacterial pathogen in domestic rabbits, causing the complex of upper respiratory signs known as "snuffles" — chronic nasal discharge, sneezing, and matted forepaws. It can also cause ear infections, abscesses, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia. Snuffles is manageable but rarely fully eradicated; long-term antibiotic cycles and supportive care are the mainstay of treatment.

Last reviewed: June 2026

What Is Pasteurella in Rabbits?

Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative bacterium carried by most domestic rabbits, often asymptomatically. Disease occurs when immune function is compromised — by stress, environmental changes, concurrent illness, or poor husbandry — allowing the organism to cause active infection.

"Snuffles" refers specifically to upper respiratory tract disease, but Pasteurella can spread to cause:

• Ear infections (otitis media/interna) — leading to head tilt and balance problems
• Conjunctivitis — eye discharge and swelling
• Abscesses — especially in the face, jaw, and neck; rabbit abscesses are caseous (thick, cheesy pus) and require surgical drainage rather than simple antibiotic treatment
• Pneumonia — the most serious form; can be fatal
• Pyometra — uterine infection in intact females
• Reproductive failure in breeding rabbits

As described in Quesenberry & Carpenter's Ferrets, Rabbits & Rodents, Pasteurella is endemic in most domestic rabbit populations, making eradication impractical in pets; the goal is clinical management, not elimination.

Signs of Snuffles and Pasteurella Infection in Rabbits

Upper respiratory (snuffles):

• Thick white, creamy, or yellow nasal discharge
• Sneezing — sometimes in bursts
• Wet forepaws from grooming the discharge (matted fur with thick white crust is a classic sign)
• Noisy or congested breathing sounds

Spread to other systems:

• Head tilt, rolling, or balance loss (inner ear spread — must be distinguished from E. cuniculi)
• Cloudy or swollen eyes
• Visible lumps on the face or jaw (abscess)
• Labored breathing or open-mouth breathing (pneumonia — emergency)

Laboratory confirmation: Culture and sensitivity testing of discharge helps guide antibiotic selection, since Pasteurella can be resistant to some common antibiotics.

Treatment and Long-Term Management

Antibiotics: Treatment courses of 4–6 weeks are common; relapses require retreatment. Safe antibiotics for rabbits include enrofloxacin, azithromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and penicillin G (injectable only — oral penicillin is fatal to rabbits). As noted in Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, enrofloxacin at 5–20 mg/kg twice daily is one of the most commonly used agents for Pasteurella in rabbits.

Abscesses: Surgical excision or debridement followed by antibiotic-impregnated beads or local instillation therapy. Marsupialization (creating a drain) and flushing are used for some locations.

Nebulization: Saline nebulization for 10–15 minutes twice daily helps loosen nasal secretions and is a valuable adjunct in snuffles.

Supportive care: Keep the rabbit warm, ensure it is eating (hand-feed Critical Care if needed), and minimize stress. Rabbits that stop eating due to nasal congestion are at risk for GI stasis.

An AEMV Pet Care Guide, 2024 recommendation is to work with an exotic vet experienced in rabbit medicine, as antibiotic safety in rabbits differs substantially from cats and dogs — many common antibiotics are dangerous for rabbits.

When to See a Vet

Call your vet today if:

• Your rabbit has nasal discharge — clear, white, or yellow — lasting more than 2–3 days
• You notice matted, crusty fur on the inside of both front paws
• Your rabbit is sneezing repeatedly, especially with head shaking
• A lump or swelling has appeared on your rabbit's face or neck

Go to the ER immediately if:

• Your rabbit is breathing with the mouth open or making loud gurgling/rattling sounds
• Your rabbit has developed a sudden head tilt and cannot maintain balance
• Your rabbit has stopped eating for more than 8–12 hours (GI stasis risk)
• You notice labored, rapid breathing with flared nostrils

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does treating Pasteurella in rabbits cost? An exotic vet visit runs $75–150. Culture and sensitivity testing adds $80–150. A typical 4–6 week antibiotic course costs $40–100. If abscesses require surgery, expect $500–2,000 depending on size and location, plus an exotic vet anesthesia premium of roughly 1.5–2 times standard. Pneumonia requiring hospitalization can cost $800–2,500.

Can snuffles in rabbits be cured permanently? Complete eradication of Pasteurella is rarely achieved in pet rabbits. Most owners manage recurring or chronic episodes with periodic antibiotic courses. Reducing stress, maintaining excellent husbandry, and supporting the immune system are the best long-term strategies.

Can I catch Pasteurella from my rabbit? Pasteurella multocida can be transmitted from rabbits to humans through bites or scratches in very rare cases, potentially causing local wound infections. Routine handling of rabbits with snuffles carries negligible risk to healthy people, though immunocompromised individuals should take basic hygiene precautions.

What antibiotics are safe for rabbits with Pasteurella? Enrofloxacin, azithromycin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfa, and injectable penicillin G are generally safe. Oral penicillin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, and cephalosporins are potentially fatal to rabbits and must never be used. Always use an exotic vet with rabbit experience for antibiotic prescribing.

Does stress make Pasteurella worse? Yes — stress is a primary trigger for clinical disease in carriers. Common stressors include new pets in the home, environmental changes, temperature extremes, poor diet, or dental disease. Minimizing stressors is a key part of long-term snuffles management.

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