Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My rabbit's head is tilting and twitching. Is this normal or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 25 days old

My bunny has been tilting his head up, then it twitches. I know it's not a normal rock or binky. I have 3 other rabbits and none of them do this. It almost looks like he's going to sneeze, then wrongs his knock. Not hard. Just sharp. I haven't seen anything like it in the 6 years I've cared for my rabbits. And I just want to make sure he is okay. He is 13 weeks old. We adopted him this past wednesday.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 26th, 2017

Head tilt in rabbits is either a sign of a brain parasite (most common) or a middle ear infection. it is not possible to know which of the two it is so it is usually recommended to treat both conditions simultaneously. you will need to take Tromso to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated, the sooner you do that the bigger his chances of recovery will be.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Published on November 12th, 2017
If Mistie is showin a head tilt and it is caused by an ear infection, it may very well be caused by an infection deeper down in the ear where you will not be able to detect it easily (a middle or inner ear infection). An otoscopic exam and x-rays are usually used in order to make these types of determinations. Many times, because even with x-rays it can be somewhat difficult to say with certainty, systemic drugs are utilized as the treatment of choice to resolve these issues. The other most common cause of head tilts in rabbits is infection with a protozoal organism known as E. Cuniculi. Based on your indication that Mistie has been actively bothering her ears, I would says that this is much less likely. Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 22nd, 2017
Sounds like Atticus has torticollis. Here is an excellent article about this problem:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=2371

I would recommend you take him to a vet that is proficient in treating rabbits for an exam. They can help you figure out what is causing the head tilt (as you can see there are many reasons he could have this) and to get Atticus to recover.

I hope this helps. Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 6th, 2017
If the head tilt is the only sign you are seeing, Sindy could have an infection in her inner or middle ear, nutritional imbalance, or ear mites. Other causes of a head tilt include in encephalitozoonosis which is an infection of the brain and kidney caused by a protozoa called Encephalitozoon cuniculi (you could also see other signs such as seizures, behavior changes, and staggering), toxins, trauma, a stroke (unlikely in such a young rabbit), and cancer (also unlikely in such a young rabbit). I would have Sindy seen by a vet in the morning for this head tilt. The vet can diagnose what is causing it and how best to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my rabbit's head tilted and ear drooping? Is it serious?

Head tilt in rabbits is either because of a brain parasite or an ear infection. the brain parasite is more common and it is more fatal as well, if caught early Twix can be saved, you must take him to the vet urgently in order to get him treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My rabbit has a head tilt and seems withdrawn. What should I do?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my rabbit's head tilting and dropping when I pick her up?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What happens if my rabbit's head tilt isn't treated by a veterinarian?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my bunny tilting its head and running in circles post-vaccine?

Head tilt in rabbits is caused either by a brain parasite or an ear infection, the vaccination is not the cause but the stress may have triggered it (more likely with the brain parasite). you must take him back to the vet right away, he will need to be treated with a prescription antiparasitic medication for this condition.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my rabbit's head tilted? Is it an injury or infection?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share