"Snuffles" is the common name for an upper respiratory infection in rabbits, most often caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. Signs include sneezing, a runny nose, and matted fur on the inner front paws from wiping the face. It needs prompt treatment from an exotic vet, because rabbits hide illness and respiratory disease can progress quickly.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What Is Snuffles in Rabbits?
Snuffles is a bacterial upper respiratory infection in rabbits, classically caused by Pasteurella multocida, though other bacteria can be involved. The infection settles in the nasal passages, sinuses, and sometimes the eyes, tear ducts, ears, or lungs. Many rabbits carry Pasteurella without symptoms, and clinical disease often flares when the immune system is stressed by poor husbandry, overcrowding, or a sudden environmental change.
Because rabbits are prey animals, they instinctively hide weakness, so a rabbit showing obvious respiratory signs is often sicker than it looks. As described in Quesenberry and Carpenter's Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, snuffles can range from a mild, recurring nasal infection to severe pneumonia or abscesses, which is why it should be taken seriously and assessed by an exotic vet familiar with rabbit medicine (AEMV Pet Care Guides, 2024).
What Are the Signs of Snuffles?
The most recognizable signs are sneezing and a thick nasal discharge, often paired with crusty, matted fur on the inside of the front paws where the rabbit has wiped its nose. This "matted paw" clue is one of the most reliable indicators owners can spot.
Signs to watch for include:
- Sneezing and snorting
- Thick white or yellow nasal discharge
- Crusted, matted fur on the inside of the front legs
- Watery or goopy eyes
- Noisy or labored breathing
- Reduced appetite and lethargy
- Head tilt if the infection spreads to the inner ear
A rabbit that stops eating is always an emergency, because the gut can shut down (GI stasis) within hours, compounding the illness.
Why Does It Happen?
Snuffles develops when Pasteurella or related bacteria overwhelm a rabbit's defenses, often after a stressor lowers immunity. Common triggers include poor ventilation, ammonia buildup from dirty bedding, overcrowding, dental disease that blocks tear drainage, and the stress of rehoming or temperature swings. As described in Quesenberry and Carpenter's text, underlying dental root problems can mimic or worsen nasal infections, so a thorough exam is important.
Good husbandry—clean, well-ventilated housing, a proper hay-based diet, and minimizing stress—is the foundation of both prevention and recovery.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment requires an exotic or rabbit-experienced veterinarian and centers on appropriate antibiotics, often for an extended course. Because the infection can become deep-seated, several weeks of medication are common.
- Antibiotics chosen specifically for rabbits (some common antibiotics are dangerous to rabbits and must be avoided)
- Nebulization to help loosen secretions in some cases
- Supportive care: keeping the rabbit eating, hydrated, and warm
- Pain control when sinus pressure or abscesses are present, following rabbit-appropriate analgesia principles (Benato et al., 2019, JSAP)
- Addressing underlying causes such as dental disease or poor husbandry
Mild cases often improve with treatment, but Pasteurella is notoriously hard to eliminate completely, so some rabbits have recurring flares that need long-term management.
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- Your rabbit is sneezing or has nasal discharge
- You notice crusty, matted fur on the inside of the front paws
- Your rabbit has watery eyes or sounds congested
Go to the ER immediately if:
- Your rabbit is breathing with effort, rapidly, or with an open mouth
- Your rabbit has stopped eating or passing stool
- Your rabbit is weak, collapsed, or unresponsive
- A sudden severe head tilt or loss of balance appears
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is rabbit snuffles contagious to other rabbits?
Yes, Pasteurella can spread between rabbits through direct contact and respiratory droplets, and many carriers show no symptoms. A new or sick rabbit should be kept separate from others, and good hygiene helps limit spread. It is not generally a risk to humans, but the bacteria can pass to other rabbits in the household, so isolation is wise.
Can snuffles in rabbits be cured?
Mild cases can sometimes be cleared with a full course of the right antibiotic, but Pasteurella is difficult to eliminate entirely and infections frequently recur. Many rabbits are managed rather than fully cured, with treatment aimed at controlling flares and supporting good husbandry. Early, aggressive treatment gives the best chance of a lasting recovery.
How much does it cost to treat rabbit snuffles?
An exotic vet exam typically runs $75–200 (exotic visits often cost 1.5–2× a standard exam), with diagnostics such as cultures or x-rays adding $150–400. Antibiotics and supportive care for a multi-week course generally add $50–200. Severe cases needing imaging or abscess surgery can climb to $800–2,000 or more.
Why does my rabbit have matted fur on its front legs?
Rabbits wipe their runny noses with their front paws, so thick nasal discharge leaves crusty, matted fur on the inside of the front legs. This is one of the most reliable home clues that a rabbit has an upper respiratory infection like snuffles. If you see it alongside sneezing, schedule an exotic vet visit promptly.
Can I treat my rabbit's snuffles at home?
No—snuffles requires prescription antibiotics chosen specifically for rabbits, because several common antibiotics are dangerous or fatal to them. At home your role is supportive: keep housing clean and well-ventilated, ensure your rabbit keeps eating hay, reduce stress, and give prescribed medications exactly as directed while watching for any worsening that warrants a recheck.
Still Not Sure if Your Rabbit Needs a Vet?
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