Very sick little boy

[ThorandSif]

First thing first, he saw the vet for this.  Yesterday morning, my little boy was jerking his neck to the left.  By the afternoon, he could only move in circles and his head was basically stuck to the left with his eye “twitching”.  I got him into the vet and she thinks it is a possible parasite/infection.  He is on antiparasitic, antibiotic, ear drops, meclizine and special food along with a shot of fluids.  The meclizine is working cause his eye isn’t twitching as much so that probably means that the room isn’t spinning like it was yesterday.  He ate a little of the special food this morning and drinking.  Anyone else’s child do this?

[Q8bunny]

Head tilt is very scary at first, because it’s often associated with serious health issues. But it sounds like the vet has targeted the two big ones. Did he check your bunbun’s ears and teeth for infection or take any poop samples? That can help narrow down possible culprits.

I’m certain that other parents who have experienced this can help more… But do let us know how he progresses.

(((Vibes)))

[ThorandSif]

He’s sleeping in my arms since this seems to calm him down. He also “talks” in his sleep. I will be honest that he scared the crap out of me yesterday. She was able to look in one ear and his mouth since his head was twisted to the left. I have him separated from his wife by creating a smaller section. She can still see him but can’t get at his water which allows me to monitor his intake.

[Bam]

You have been given the appropriate meds. Some vets give Metacam as well, because if it’s anti inflammatory properties. Your vet seems knowledgeable though, and that’s really great. E cuniculi (a microsporidian parasite) and an ear infection are the two major causes of headtilt. We have had quite a few head tilt buns here.

It’s good that he can sleep in your arms and that it helps calm him. The website Disabled rabbits, for rabbits that are temporarily or permanently disabled http://www.disabledrabbits.com/
has tips on how to make a head tilt bun comfortable.

It’s great that he’s eating. I’m guessing the special food is Critical Care or some other recovery formula. It’s very important that he gets all the nutrients he needs, and recovery formula has that.

[Q8bunny]

Wee bub… *nose rub*

[ThorandSif]

Update….He ate a whole tablespoon of the critical care food this morning and took all his meds like a champ. He no longer wants to be cuddles in my arms so he’s back in his tiny pen. His “wife” has noticed that he’s there and is trying to break him out. She sits next to him like she’s guarding him. His head is still tilted but he can stand up on all fours so that is a major improvement.

[Bam]

I’m glad to hear he’s shown improvement!

[ThorandSif]

He surprised me this morning by taking his medicine like a big boy. I didn’t have to burrito him or even remove him from his tiny pen. His eye is not jittery anymore so I didn’t give him his meclizine. Sif is still guarding him and doesn’t like it if we take him out of his little area. She’s laying next to his pen. I really would like to put him back with her but I’m afraid we won’t be able to get near him to give him his meds. He is nibbling on his real hay which is amazing. Maybe we can cut back on the special food.

[Q8bunny]

I’d keep it up. It will help to boost his strength.

[ThorandSif]

First off…THANK YOU to who ever fixed my faux paw of the same status posted multiple time. Second, He shook his front paws and did a little grooming when I got home. That made me so happy!!! I know its sad to say but I miss holding him like I did on Saturday. I actually felt like he needed me. Enough of the sad stuff. I hope he keeps improving at this rate! Does anyone know how long it takes for his neck to straighten back to normal?

[Q8bunny]

Awww… Bunny arm bundles are pretty irresistible.

[ThorandSif]

Update today. He gives me his back after he takes his meds and I change his towel. Now he likes my other daughter and will eat for her. Sif is still on patrol and doesn’t like it if we try to remove him from his tiny in closure.

[Q8bunny]

Woohoo! Attitude is always a good sign. He must really be on the mend.

[ThorandSif]

He’s eating more hay plus the special food and drinking his water. I don’t understand why Sif pulls his fur out when he’s near. He doesn’t run from her when she does it – she reaches through the opening and just pulls it out. Anyone have suggestions as to why she’s doing this?

[Q8bunny]

Could she be doing it as a gentle nip because he smells different from the meds and ER food?

[Bam]

It sounds like he’s improving at a good rate! The fur pulling is a bit mysterious. She would probably want to groom him if they were together, but since she can’t do that, maybe she’s frustrated? And she probably does think he smells a bit funny with the meds and the handling.

As for the head tilt, there’s no set time frame. It can take a long time. In some buns it doesn’t go away even though the causative agent has been eradicated. That’s not a huge problem though, esp if he has a bunwife that can help with grooming.

[Sirius&Luna]

Glad he’s doing better!

All the medication and vet visits may have broken their bond. Watch very carefully when you first put them back together, they may need some rebonding sessions.

[ThorandSif]

That’s why I’ve kept them “together” in the same play area but separated by the open fence (its made of panels from the wire cubes).  She jumps to his “rescue” when we come into the room to give him his meds.  I thank all of you for the support and putting up with our anxiety over this.  He improves a little everyday.  Lately he’s been grooming is face but when he scratches with his hind foot, he loses his balance and rolls.  We have found her right up against the fence laying next to him.  I hope that is a good sign.

[ThorandSif]

Here is an update on the little prince. He is eating his hay, greens and special food really well along with pooping and peeing up a storm. The vet said that he can go back into the big cage with his mate. I hope this stops her from pulling his butt hair out. She has been guarding him a lot so I’m hoping when the fence comes down we won’t have any problems. His head is still tilted but not as bad as before and he is walking a bit straighter. Should I be concerned about the reintroduction?

[Q8bunny]

Definitely supervise at first.

But overall, SUCH great news!

[ThorandSif]

That went really well…NOT! She was nudging him hard in his side and almost knocking him over along with chasing him.

[Q8bunny]

Uh oh… definitely some rebonding sessions are in order, then.

[Author]

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