📚 What Is Epistaxis?

Epistaxis means bleeding from the nose. In rabbits, it can indicate mild issues like nasal irritation or serious illnesses such as tumors, clotting disorders, trauma, or Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Why It Matters

• May signal severe conditions like RHDV—often fatal with sudden bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Bleeding can lead to anemia, aspiration, or airway obstruction.
• Early identification improves outcomes and may prevent death.

👀 Common Causes

• Trauma: Facial impact or nasal injury from cage accidents or rough play :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Nasal infection or inflammation: Chronic rhinits, abscesses, fungal infections.
• Neoplasia: Tumors in nasal passages or sinuses :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Coagulopathies: Clotting disorders or liver disease affecting bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• RHDV: Viral hemorrhagic disease causing sudden death and bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

🔍 Recognizing Signs

• Blood oozing from nostrils, nasal passages, or mouth.
• Sneezing, nasal discharge, facial swelling, or stained fur around nose :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Additional signs: lethargy, anorexia, dyspnea, fever, neurological changes.

🔍 Diagnostic Approach

• History & exam: Recent trauma, household exposures, systemic illness.
• Physical exam: Nasal patency, palpation, oral and dental exam.
• Bloodwork: CBC and clotting profile for anemia or coagulopathy.
• Imaging (X-rays/CT): Look for fractures, foreign bodies, abscesses, tumors :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Rhinoscopy/Smith’s exam: Direct evaluation of nasal passages; biopsy if tumor present.
• Viral testing: PCR for RHDV in suspected cases :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

🛠️ Stabilization & Emergency Care

Bleeding Control

• Apply gentle nasal compression or cool compress on bridge — do not obstruct airway :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Do not tilt head back; place rabbit upright, leaning forward to avoid aspiration.
• In severe cases, pack nostrils with sterile gauze under sedation/restraint.

Supportive Care

• Administer IV/SubQ fluids to maintain perfusion.
• Provide oxygen if respiratory distress or aspiration occurs.
• Monitor and manage pain with NSAIDs.
• Transfusion if severe anemia is present.

🛠️ Definitive Treatment

• Trauma: Treat wounds or fractures; ensure clean housing and follow-up imaging.
• Infection/Inflammation: Treat with appropriate antibiotics, antifungals, and anti‑inflammatories.
• Tumors: Surgical removal or referral for oncology; possible radiation or chemotherapy.
• Coagulopathy: Correct with vitamin K, plasma transfusion, treat liver or systemic issues.
• RHDV: No cure—usually euthanasia recommended; prevention via vaccination in endemic areas :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

🏠 Home Care & Monitoring

• Clean nasal discharge with warm, damp gauze.
• Encourage eating—soft, fresh greens and water. Syringe-feed if necessary.
• Avoid dusty bedding or irritants; maintain calm environment.
• Record appetite, breathing, energy, and any blood output daily.
• Schedule follow-up checks for imaging and blood tests to ensure resolution.

📊 Prognosis

• Trauma, mild infection, clotting issues can resolve well with treatment.
• Tumors carry guarded to poor prognosis—depends on metastasis and treatment feasibility.
• RHDV has high fatality without treatment—prevention via vaccination vital :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Keep living areas free of sharp objects and hazards.
• Vaccinate for RHDV where available; follow strict biosecurity :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Monitor dental health and treat malocclusions to avoid oral-related bleeding.
• Regular wellness exams, including dental and nasal checks.

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Educate owners on nose bleed emergencies—how to control minor bleeding and when to seek help.
• Provide checklists: household hazard assessment, bleeding logs, follow‑up schedules.
• Offer imaging referrals, blood testing for coagulopathies, and RHDV vaccination guidance.
• Telehealth check-ins after discharge to monitor recurrence and compliance.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Rabbit epistaxis may signal anything from a minor injury to a devastating disease like RHDV. In 2025, prompt bleeding control, thorough diagnostics, targeted care, and strong preventive measures—including vaccination—can safeguard your rabbit’s health and survival. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: Emergency guidance on bleeding stabilization, diagnostics, and monitoring.
• Woopf: Recovery kits—soft bedding, nasal cleaning supplies, comfort aids.
• Purrz: Med-dose syringes, distraction/comfort toys, and biosecurity cleaning sets.