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My rabbit's dragging its leg and has a head tilt. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | neutered | 4 years and 3 months old | 4 lbs

Rabbitt is dragging left front leg but has partial usage. Head tilt to the right.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Mariya Gugel, DVM

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 30th, 2017

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.
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