My rabbit has a head tilt and seems withdrawn.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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Roger is unwell. It sounds like he has a neurological issue causing a head tilt and partial paralysis. Rabbits are prey animals that are very good at masking their pain, so even if he seems okay to you, I would still assume he is in some pain and take him to the vet within the next 24 hours. Causes of head tilt include an inner or middle ear infection, or a neurological parasite called E. cuniculi. Causes of hind leg paralysis include spinal or head injury. The vet can perform a full physical exam, and may recommend taking x-rays. They can prescribe medications to help with pain and inflammation, and treat for infection if suspected. I hope this helps, and that Roger is feeling better soon.

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.