My rabbit has head tilt, swollen eye, and balance issues. Is recovery possible?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach - I'm sorry that Jude is not doing well. Head tilts in rabbits are definitely a cause for concern and I recommend that she is examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This symptom can be caused by several things, but two of the more common causes are an infection of the ear or a parasite that travels through the blood and damages the vessels around the ear and cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for maintaining balance. This basically causes a loss of balance, and the head tilts to one side because the brain "thinks" that the head needs to compensate. Other causes for this can be trauma, a stroke, or a tumor. Depending on the cause of the head tilt, the prognosis can vary, so I cannot predict whether Jude will recover, but a physical exam and diagnostics performed by a veterinarian definitely can. I hope this helps and good luck with Jude!

Poor Thumper! Head tilts in rabbits are generally medical problems that need to be assessed and treated by a veterinarian. Often they are caused by an infection in the middle or inner ear that almost always require systemic antibiotics. Though here are occasionally other things that can cause these (tumors, abscesses, trauma, etc.) with Thumper being so young and you reporting no history of trauma they are lower on my list of differentials. I would get Thumper to his vet soon because the last thing you want is for him to start feeling badly, stop eating, and go into GI Stasis which can be life threatening. I hope this helps, good luck with your little guy!

Poor Chino! Head tilts in rabbits are very concerning as they can be caused by bacterial and parasitic infections that are contagious to other rabbits. These infections can affect the inner ear or the part of the brain that is responsible for balance, causing the animal to tilt it's head to a particular side. Certain cancers can show these signs as well. I recommend having Chino seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine what is going on and begin the appropriate treatment. If he is housed with other rabbits, he should be separated, as this can be contagious.

Thanks for reaching out about Lucy. A brain parasite called Encephalitozoon cuniculi should be considered. A veterinary visit is recommended for a diagnostic and treatment plan, as often can be improved or even cured. A trauma to the neck should be radiographed so that treatment can also be prescribed. If waited too long, an injured neck can fuse in that position, which could limit lifespan. Good luck.

Poor Coco! Head tilt in rabbits is usually a bacterial infection that started out in the upper respiratory tract and now has traveled to the brain and possibly other organs. Sometimes this can be a parasitic brain infection, but this is less common in my experience. Coco needs to see a rabbit veterinarian right away for proper treatment. I usually start an oral deworming treatment and oral Baytril antibiotic for several weeks to see if this helps. Good luck— Coco looks like a sweet little bun and I wish you the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These signs are usually seen with vestibular diseases (neurologic signs). This can sometimes be due to an ear infection for example. For that reason, I recommend that you have Lilly evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an infection is noted, medications could be recommended for that. Good luck and have a great day!

I am assuming your rabbit is being treated for an E. cuniculi infection. A 28-day course of oral fenbendazole, once a day, is the general treatment of choice, plus anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. You may see improvement within 2 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. Rabbits can also die from this. Keep hand feeding him and syringing water. This can take 4 to 6 weeks or turn into a chronic condition.