Strange head movements- look uncontrolled

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This topic has 4sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 11 months ago by Dee.

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- 05/26/2018 at 5:24 PM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  I was going to put a nice bonding video on, but now this has got me kinda freaked out. I have a 36″ gate separating my bunnies, and they both will beg at the opposite sides for food. But I noticed when Lola, my female rabbit, puts her head up to beg, her head starts doing this weird twitching, circular movement. It almost looks like she’s stuck in some kind of repeat motion, like tic. When she comes down off her hind legs, it stops. Its only when she’s looking up. She has been quieter than usual today, but is hopping and eating fine. Its also pretty hot here and this is the first day with the big AC in the window. Last night during bonding, her coordination was great- she leaps clear over Luke when he bothers her. Her nose has felt a little moist and she sneezed twice today, but that could just be the AC.
  
  Has anyone ever had their rabbit do this strange jerking motion with their head? Luke does something like it when he’s very excited, but it’s more of a weaving back and forth thing and looks more controlled. I’m afraid it’s neurological or some bizzarre disease.
- 05/26/2018 at 9:06 PM
  Azerane
  Moderator
  4691 posts
  This is a new behaviour? The most common causes of head movements (usually tilts) are an ear infection and e.c. Ear infections mess with the balance of the inner ear which could cause all sorts of movements and dizziness etc. I’d certainly be getting her checked out by a vet. Try to record the motion on video if you can to show your vet in case you can’t get her to display it in the consult.
- 05/26/2018 at 9:26 PM
  MountainBuns
  Participant
  513 posts
  Probably get that checked out, better safe than sorry
- 05/29/2018 at 6:01 PM
  LittlePuffyTail
  Moderator
  18092 posts
  Sorry to hear that. But this only happens when she is begging for treats? Have you nkticed if her eyes go weird (scanning back and forth) at the same time?
- 06/08/2018 at 7:54 PM
  Dee
  Participant
  704 posts
  Sorry, you guys, didnt mean to post and disappear. The forum went down right after I posted, then things got so busy and crazy I just kept forgetting to get back here! Luke just needed his teeth done AGAIN- he had them done for the 1st time last November (he is just turning 4), needed them done a 2nd time in March, and now a 3rd time yesterday. But that’s another post!
  
  After I posted, I kept watching Lola every time she stood on her hinds and tilted her head up, and noticed that she’s able to hold her head perfectly normally when she’s not begging for treats! Her eyes don’t have an abnormal movement and her balance is great. I think that the movement is just her bizzarre way of expressing excitement- kind of like an extended “head binky”. When I take her to the vet for a checkup, I’ll mention it to him. I forgot to ask when I brought Lukie in for his teeth.
  
  Thanks for the help!!
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