Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the fully developed inflammatory response to bacteria, fungal infections (mycoses), or inhaled foreign material in the lungs.

Symptoms

 * Anorexia, weight loss, and/or lethargy
 * Fever
 * Exercise intolerance
 * Dehydration
 * Labored breathing (dyspnea), usually late in the course of the disease
 * Signs of previous upper respiratory disease such as nasal discharge, eye discharge, sneezing, facial abscesses, dental disease, and drooling (ptyalism)

Causes
Bacterial causes of pneumonia in rabbits include the following:
 * Staphylococcus aureus
 * Bordetella bronchiseptica
 * Moraxella catarrhalis
 * Pseudomonas aeruginosa
 * Mycobacterium spp.
 * Pasteurella multocida

Anecdotal fungal causes include the following:
 * Aspergillus spp.
 * Cryptococcus spp.

The last cause of pneumonia in rabbits is due to aspiration. In general, rabbits do not vomit, so aspiration pneumonia is rare. However, it can be a result of difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) or following administration of oral medications, forced feeding, or tube feeding.

Factors that can increase susceptibility to pneumonia in rabbits include the following:
 * Age. Neonatal and young rabbits have an immature immune system.
 * Overall health. e.g. injured animals, concurrent disease, stress, corticosteroid use.
 * Dental disease. Abscesses, fractured teeth, and malocclusion that causes mouth injury can all provide an entry route for bacteria.
 * Reduced level of consciousness. e.g. stupor, coma, anesthesia
 * Grooming habits can result in a bacteria-contaminated coat which can further contaminate the environmount.
 * Close contact with another infected animal.
 * Poor husbandry such as dirty, molding bedding and poor nutrition
 * Inhaled irritants such as ammonia building from dirty bedding, dusty hay, bleach or other strong disinfectants, and smoke.