Need help adapting habitat for a sick bun

[Tia]

Hi all,

My bun, Roza, (who has never been sick since she came to live with us at about almost 2 years old. We’ve had her for 3 years.) came down with a horrible case of vertigo with nystagmus and head tilt a week ago. It looks like she has an ear infection in her left ear but the vet is treating for possible parasites as well. The nystagmus is about 98% resolved, only flaring up when she gets really stressed (like when giving meds) and then resolves within minutes. She is eating and drinking very well and is currently being treated with Baytril and Panacur and I have her in a small cage so she can’t hurt herself. She usually drinks from a bowl, but with the head tilt, I have been giving her water with a syringe because she can’t get her head in the bowl to drink without her nose going in the bowl and losing her balance. She also is litter trained but she’s just been going potty on the cage floor for the last week because she has no balance at all. I’m going to have to eventually give her a bath as she’s very messy, but she hates being held so I have to try not to stress her either.

Sorry. Getting side-tracked. I’m stressed trying to figure out how to make sure she still has quality of life if this head tilt and balance problem doesn’t go away.

What I’m writing to ask is suggestions of water bottles that don’t leak and litter box hacks for a rabbit that can’t jump. She typically lives in a large floor area that is sectioned off with an xpen and I would really like her to be able to go back to that area as she loves it there.

I’m also looking for success stories on rabbits that have had vertigo this bad and recovered completely or at least to the point where they were able to thrive with it. It’s been a week and I just need some type of reassurance that she could be okay.

Thanks!

[Wick & Fable]

If you have access to Facebook, I believe there’s a fairly large community of rabbit owners with head-tilt rabbits who can share experience and advice. Specifically, Ginny the rabbit on instagram posts heavily about her condition (head tilt from EC).

Low-lip litterboxes may do well, or putting a stepping platform up to one so it’s easier to access.

There are many rabbits who persevere through the toughest of times. It’s very inspirational, and a common factor among all of them is a caring, passionate owner who cares about their rabbit! Keep doing what you’re doing — observe her body language, see what works and what doesn’t, and be in contact with your vet if you have any new concerns that come up

There are other users on BinkyBunny more experienced with rabbits with imbalances, so hopefully you’ll get more specific advice!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Tia]

Thank you for the response! I asked to be added to one of the head tilt groups. I really appreciate you letting me know about it!

[Doodler]

I don’t have any words of advice but wanted to just let you know I am sorry for what you and your bunny are going through. I hope she gets better and gets better soon.

[Author]

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