Hello,

On Wednesday of last week I bought a new rabbit. On Thursday evening I noticed there was some yellow drainage by his nose, it wasn't sticky like discharge just more like liquid coloured yellow. He had it by both nostrils and also above his nose.

I got him to the vet on Friday who has put him on Baytril and some wormer, the vet advised that even though there were no symptoms when he saw the rabbit my description of the symptoms I had seen the night before were enough to treat him. He said it could possibly be a respiratory problem but wouldn't commit to a certain diagnosis.

Fortunately I've been at home with the rabbit since I bought him, I'm probably being a little paranoid but I've seen him sneeze on three occasions. Is that likely to be related to the problem or would it be more persistent if that was the case? He also has a tiny bit of eye discharge but I would say that is normal, and is grey in colour when wiped away.

Apart from that the bunny is perky, friendly and full of energy. Any advice or opinions would be welcome as I feel as though I'm going out my mind researching all the possible causes and outcomes on the net!

I'm already very attached to him, just like the rest of my pets, but where I bought him from offers a 7 day guarantee so if I'm looking at a lifelong problem that could lead to death I'm trying to save myself some heartache.

You aren't thinking of taking him back to shop surely

I would contact them and ask for help with vet bills (doubt they will pay up, rather take him back and then who knows what will hapen to him ... )

Personally I'd relax and see how he goes, it might be alonger term issue, but the it might have been something simple and it's been treated. Pet shops are an awful way to obtain rabbits, rescue is much better. A good rabbit rescue neuters (if old enough) and vaccinates their bunnies. Just something to keep in mind

You should always let the pet shop know the problem so they can control the spread of any potential problem. If the symptoms didn't appear until the day after you bought him, they won't know if you don't tell them.

I would also ask for them to pay any vets bills you've incurred And any bills for this problem until it is sorted out.

Sounds quite minor and treatment was prompt so outlook good at moment

My opinion? You are just as likely to encounter problems with any rabbit you buy maybe just not straight away. It's a lucky rabbit owner who doesn't.

Should you send it back to the shop under its gaurantee? It's up to you. I wouldn't personally because i chose that pet and i can't swap or return my pets, i just can't.

I hope you make the right decision for you and bunny. Speak to the shop. Ask what they will do with bunny if returned. Make your decision when you have all the information??

take care both of you

It would break my heart to take him back but I intended to take out insurance for him, I understand now the problem has already been diagnosed it won't be covered in which case I'm worried it could be a huge financial commitment.

Contacted the shop as soon as I noticed the problem, they have paid for the initial treatment and have reluctantly agreed to pay for his check up but have stated that's all they are willing to contribute.

I'm just praying it is a minor ailment that hopefully won't return, it's just the info on the web and from what my vet said d/c from the nose is a serious problem.

Thanks for your advice

As above, pet shop were advised of problem as soon as I noticed it. Would never buy from them again because the initial reaction was not to 'run up a big vets bill' by taking rabbit to the vets immediately. That's just not the policy I take with my pets so I got him up there anyway.

Also as above they have refunded me for the initial vets bill, and very reluctantly agreed to pay for the check up but the manager is adament she won't pay for anything further. I understand they have lost any kind of profit on him now but judging from the managers attitude she just shouldn't be head of the pet section because ultimately welfare should come first.

To be honest, I highly doubt I'll be able to send him back now, I've bonded with him so much and he's perfect in every other way as cheesy as it sounds! Also, there's the worry of what fate would lie in store for him if he was returned to them.

I guess I'm just going to have to come up with a contingency plan for medical problems instead of insurance.

Thank you ever so much for the time and advise, it's helped immensely.