Snuffles is the name for a variety of diseases, all of which share the common symptoms of rapid sneezing, inflammation of the mucus membranes in the air passages and lungs, and nasal discharge. The inside of the front legs may become matted, or the same area may become bald from the rabbit pawing at its nose. These symptoms occur frequently.
Causes
Snuffles can be caused by a variety of causes, as it is merely the symptoms. The most common cause of Snuffles is Pasteurellosis, which is a disease in which the Pasteurella multocida bacteria overcomes the immune system and overpopulates. Up to 100% of domestic rabbits have been exposed to P. multocida bacteria, and 30-90% of asymptomatic (no symptoms) rabbits are carriers of the bacteria (Merck Manual). Kits become infected from carrier does immediately after birth. Actual symptoms can arise in previously asymptomatic rabbit after a period of stress, such as giving birth, travel, or infection from another disease. When the immune system is compromised by stressors, it allows any infections already in the rabbit to grow out of control.
Other infectious causes of snuffles include Pseudomonas spp, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Staphylococcus spp, and Streptococcus bacteria.
Similar symptoms can also occur due to a lot of dust in the air, the rabbit inhaling dust from pellets, and allergies. Sneezing due to these causes is generally more dry-sounding and less frequent.
Other Symptoms of Pasteurellosis
Other symptoms of Pasteurellosis, aside from snuffles, include pneumonia, head tilt ("wry neck"), conjunctivitis ("weepy eye"), abscesses, genital infections, and sudden death due to septicemia (blood infection).
Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be the result of several causes, so it is important to isolate the cause for effective treatment.
Otitis media/Interna ("Wry Neck", "Head Tilt")
Wry neck can also be caused by many things, though rabbits with wry neck most commonly (97% of cases) have P. multocida. Accumulated fluid in the middle or inner ear causes the rabbit to tilt its head.
Weepy Eye (Conjunctivitis/Dacryocystis)
Rabbits with snuffles may get a secondary, opportunistic infection in the eye or the tear duct. Rarely P. multocida is the primary infecting agent. Rabbits with weepy eye will often rub at their eyes with their front feet.
Accesses
Abscesses may be subcutaneous or visceral. They may remain unnoticed for a long time before they grow in size and/or rupture, exuding a thick, pasty, white pus.
Genital Infections
P. multocida may cause genital infections but again, there are multiple possible causes of genital infections, including rabbit syphilis (caused by Treponema paraluiscuniculi). In does, signs may include pyometra (symptoms: thick, yellowish gray discharge from the vagina) and sterility. In bucks, signs may include pus exuding from the urethra and enlarged testicles.
Treatment
Antibiotics can put P. multocida into remission but are unlikely to completely eliminate the infection to cure Pasteurellosis. If the cause of snuffles is a different bacteria, treatment may be more effective. Bordatella tends to be more susceptible to treatment with antibiotics.
Reminder! We are not vets! Please consult with your veterinarian.
Prevention
The most effective prevention is breeding for strong immunity. Rabbits which get diseases should not be bred. A good rabbit breeder will select for strong immune systems and not breed to any that show poor immunity.
There is also now a vaccine for the P. multocida bacteria, available via Pav Labs. It is fairly cost effective and has a 90% efficacy rate in the trial (which was admittedly small with only 300 rabbits, but still promising), but it should not be used for animals meant for consumption within 21 days of giving the vaccine. Please note that the vaccine requires a second administration 30 days after the first and should be administered annually thereafter. Breeders also argue that it removes the ability to select for strong immune systems. However, I would argue that poor immune systems will not respond well to vaccines, anyway, and will likely get infected when exposed, even with the vaccine. The 10% of rabbits who do not gain immunity from the vaccine are likely to have genetically poor immune systems. Please note, we have not tried this vaccine, so we cannot personally attest to it! However, it is an option to try.
Symptoms can be potentially prevented by keeping good sanitation practices, providing good ventilation, and keeping ammonia levels low. Reducing stress can also help.