Why is my rabbit tilting her head and losing balance when sitting?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Mallori Kaminski, BVSc

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 3rd, 2017

  Head tilts in rabbits can be caused by an inner ear infection, trauma, a brain tumor, or the protozoan parasite E cuniculi. If she's breathing heavily and you can hear her, then she may also have an upper respiratory infection or pneumonia. There may be one type of bacteria causing both infections. She will need to see a veterinarian for an exam and diagnostics. You may need to ring a few clinics to find a veterinarian who will see rabbits, and often if the clinic won't then they can recommend someone who does. It's a good sign that she is still eating, but she still needs to be seen soon as she can develop other complications such as gastric stasis if she stops eating.

  

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• Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 9th, 2017

  Poor Bear--I am so sorry! Rabbits can catch many bacterial and parasitic diseases that can travel to the brain very quickly and cause death. Likely, it was one of these diseases. They are often contagious, so if you have other rabbits or consider getting other rabbits I recommend a visit to your rabbit vet for a full examination. Also, never buy a rabbit that has any sign of respiratory disease like sneezing and a snotty nose. These rabbits have infectious disease very often and this is the kind of process that can eventually cause vestibular disease (head tilt) like you saw in Bear.

  

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