Rapid Breathing

Chance has been breathing rapidly for a while now. Its been since it has been hot and I assumed it was the hot weather as he had hot ears. I was holding cold flannels to his ears but he was fine. He even went to the vet in that period to have that eye infection dealt with. Anyway tonight I am really starting to stress about it as it isn't that warm and he hasn't got hot ears. His gums aren't blue. Neither are his lips. He is still hopping around and eating (although he is a very sedantry bunny anyway). When I listen there are no sounds coming from his just, it is just literally that he breathes very rapidly. Any ideas guys?

Hmmmmm, well as he has had a recent infection there is always the risk of it involving his respiratory tract.
When you say 'rapid' how rapid? The normal respiratory rate is 32-60 breaths per minute.
Does he appear to be having to make a lot of respiratory effort ie is his ribcage 'working hard' and does he 'rock' as he breathes when he's laying down ?

I think it would be a good idea to get the Vet to have a listen to his heart and lungs.

He kinda nods a bit when he breathes.....laying down. And he is breathing at about double that rate

His rib cage doesn't appear to be working hard either. I think it is a vet trip

Its probably a good idea to get the Vet to have a listen as there are lots of reasons why a Bun's respiratory rate is high. Without actually listening to his heart and lungs it's only going to be a list of guesses which might make you worry even more !!
Let us know how the little chap gets on

Sending lots of vibes for Chance x x x

Sending lots of vibes for Chance xxx

Thanks guys will book him in. He is as bright as a button which is weird.

IT could be a tumour couldn't it

Aww Charlotte, I'm sorry to hear little man Chance might be feeling under the weather. Sending lots of vibes your way :)xx

Catswhiskas wrote:IT could be a tumour couldn't it

DONT!!! Dont even start guessing... just take him to the vets before you mind starts going crazy without any facts x

Charlotte just read your txt & come to find a thread. After seeing that vet this morning and discussing loads of possible problems, I promise you there could be a million & 1 reasons for it, seriously. Is the rapid breathing his only symptom? Hugs to your boy X

Right seen vet! Chance has no serious symptoms... she thinks it could be simply the change in heat and to keep a fan on him. They have put him on a 7 day course of Baytil to see if there is any secondary infection after his eye infection last week. If there is no improvement after 7 days or I feel he is worse in any way then we go back. But she said that the fact that he is eating and drinking normally is a good thing. She did stress that buns in general, in particular older buns, don't cope well with heat change. I know the hot weather bothered him greatly. Cross your fingers for me guys xxxx

Should also add, she can't hear anything suspicious on his lungs

Great news x

That's good news

Well lets hope it is right! My poor boy

He obviously 'feels' OK and that's the most important thing
My Sarah Bun has goodness knows what going on in her lungs and is on a pharmacy load of meds. But to see her you'd never know that she's on borrowed time. The only give-away sign is how skinny she is and how her resps' are so abnormal.
But she eats like a horse and is so happy and bright.
As long as Chance 'feels' OK, as he does now, he wont give a fig as to what might or might not be wrong.

I guess the worrying is our job............

Good news. Give Chance a nose rub from me xx

Yeah I mean the vet did say she can't hear anything unusual in there... ... ironically his breathing is a bit slower tonight, and I can't put the food down quick enough

Catswhiskas wrote: and I can't put the food down quick enough

Honestly Chance, you just cant get the staff these days..........

He agrees with you Jane... he is to be quite frank.... disgusted.

Hello Charlotte how is Chance today.Bugsy cant bare the heat either.Bunnies have such small lungs compared to the rest of them and there is a hole lot of Bugsy

Well he seems to be much the same. I have popped him out in the sunshine and he is actually having a hop around the garden and a chat to Brian through the wire of the run... He is eating and drinking well still and seems ok?¬ I am lost

If he has a history of Respiratory Tract infections he may actually have scaring on his lungs. He may have a higher than normal respiratory rate to compensate and provide an adequate gas exchange. The other thing is that a previous infection can leave a fluid build up in the lungs. If this were to be the case a diuretic would help.