My rabbit has head tilt. When will I see improvement from treatment?

Head tilts in rabbits are usually due to one of two things, an ear infection or a neurologic condition caused by a parasite. Both of these conditions will require treatment by a veterinarian in order to get better. The head tilt will likely get worse and worse if the underlying cause goes untreated. If the cause is the parasite (E. Cuniculi), it will eventually spread to other organ systems and cause death. Even if it is just an ear infection, these can be painful and irritating enough to a rabbit to make them not want to eat. A rabbit who isn't eating is often one that develops gastric stasis, which is another deadly condition. Overall, I would recommend getting Buzz seen by a vet sometime sooner than later.

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 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!

You need to get Tequila back to the vet for a recheck examination. Often times it can take weeks to months to clear an ear infection (or any infection) in a rabbit. You need to get her back there soon so you can catch this and start treatment again before it gets worse. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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!

I’m sorry to hear Morgan isn’t doing well. Head tilts in rabbits can of course be caused by trauma, but more commonly I see them associated with either an inner ear infection or a parasite called E. cunniculi. I would recommend an examination with your veterinarian. Many of these head tilts can be cured or at least dramatically improved with the proper treatment. Poor thing, and reassure your daughter that it is unlikely from when she dropped her. I hope she improves soon and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Have her rechecked by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits. Her ears should be examined to diagnose infection or tumors/polyps which may cause the head tilt. Cervical xrays may be indicated to diagnose orthopedic injury or deformation.