Head Tilt?

[Rina Z]

Hi I have a 2 year old lionhead rabbit named Rufus. I’ve heard that it’s not a good sign if your rabbit has a head tilt where there head stays to the side. Although I’m not completely sure, I just took my rabbit up to my room to play and closed the door. I went down stares for a bit and then came up and it seemed like his head was tilted a bit to the right. He’s back in his cage now and I still noticed it abit. I put wire covers on the electrical cords in my room and he has a litter box in the room as well. Every thing is pretty much rabbit proof so I don’t think anything could have happened while I was down stairs or anything. Should I be worried?

[Benthebunny]

headtilt could be alot of things, and all of the things *can* result im death. I would suggest making an appointment. Whatever it is, it sounds like you caught it early.

[Bam]

If the head-tilt is marked, not just something you think you might have seen, you should contact your vet. There are two main causes for head tilt and both require vet care. Is he eating and drinking and pooping normally? Does he have good balance and seem alert?

[Bam]

The 2 main causes for head tilt are an ear infection and a parasite called e cuniculi. An ear infection needs treatment with an antibiotic (Baytril). The treatment for the e cuniculi parasite is fenbendazole (Panacur, Safeguard) and Baytril. Fenbendazole is a dewormer that you give for 28 days in a row. It’s OTC and considered very safe, but it’s of course best to discuss any type of treatment with a vet first.

Treatment for e cuniculi should be started asap.

[Rina Z]

He is always standing up and alert. He has good baleance and his poo is normal. He is a little wheezy at times. It just started today when I checked in him in my room

[Benthebunny]

Even though head tilt is the only thing, I would take him to the vet. If it is E. cuniculi, the earlier you catch it, the more likely it will go away.

[Bam]

If he’s wheezy, I’d suspect an infection rather than e cuniculi. The nose and mouth and ears are connected via the ear-trumpet (the Eustachian tube). Bacteria can move freely between those structures.

Most, perhaps even all, rabbits have pasteurella bacteria in their nasal cavities. Not all rabbits get sick from those bacteria, but some do, for reasons still not known. The bunny gets a “bunny cold” aka “the snuffles”. Typical symptoms can be wheeziness, thick white mucus from the nose and/or an ear-infection.

Imo you should call your vet first thing on Monday so you can get proper meds for your bun. Baytril is first-choice antibiotics. There are also decongestants suitable for rabbits. Your vet will probably prescribe a week-long course of Baytril for starters, but the rabbit often needs to be treated for several weeks. The sooner you start treatment, the better the prognosis of course.

[LBJ10]

I agree with Bam. Head tilt combined with sneezing/wheezing point more toward an infection. Bacteria can migrate from the sinuses to the ear. It sounds like the head tilt isn’t very pronounced, so this isn’t an emergency. Just get an appointment with your regular vet as so as you can. Your bunny will likely need antibiotics.

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