wry neck

[BoBoze]

Hi everyone, my name is Caitlyn and I am new to this site. I have a 10 month old mini lop named Bo! Hes has been happy and healthy until a few days ago. He started to tilt his head to the right slightly the other night and the next day his balance was off when I returned from work. I called the vet and made an appointment for that day. 

The vet said his left ear looked clean and clear but the right ear had “a small amount of pus ” and he thinks its a middle ear infection. The vet said he had no other symptoms that pointed to anything else and we should treat it as an ear infection unless something else comes up.  Bo was started on metacam and orbax, he got his first dose last night at 7pm. He has been eating and drinking fine and seems to have a little more energy than yesterday. His balance is still off but he can hop around the house as usual( just a little lopsided). Today I looked inside his eye and it seems a little bit more red than the pinkish white it has been, this has me worried. 

I have been reading on the internet(which is probably an awful idea because its done nothing but scare me!) and I have been reading about pasteurella and e.colliculi and everywhere, everything says it leads to permanent disability or death. I would just like some clarification on this.

SO I guess I just have a few questions as this is my first time caring for a bunny with an ear infection and I am not sure of what to look out for with the getting better or worsening end of things. 

1. How long does it take for the balancing issue/wry neck to resolve?

2. How long before his neck being crooked becomes permanent?

3, What changes should I be looking out for, better or worse?

I guess I need some positive feedback over here so I can relax a little bit! 

If anyone could answer any of my questions ( even if it is not positive) I am just looking for some info from fellow bunny families : )

Thank you!

[Sarita]

Here’s a good website that might help answer some of your questions:

http://onthewonk.com/

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

It’s definitely not a death sentence! So stop reading scary websites

Kahlua had this, and it was quite some time before she improved. Keep on the phone with any updates to your vet, and if the doesn’t recommend extending the antibiotics, please ask about doing this. A really long course is needed. Stay in frequent touch with your vet.
If your rabbit starts rolling a lot, try fixing up new living quarters-I’ve had lots of luck with puppy pee pads (to keep them dry) in a play pen-the sides are soft, and it’s a small space. The concern with rolling is that they’ll roll for a long time (hence making a small area) or hurt themselves rolling (hence the soft sides).

I think we were about 6 weeks or longer into treatment before I saw any improvement. So hang in there!

[BoBoze]

Wow I was so worried I didn’t even see these posts ! Better late than never ! Quick update : almost 100% recovery ! Every now and then depending on his position you can see the smallest tilt but if you didn’t know you were looking for it you would have no idea! It was such a scary time but he’s been doing great! Thank you for your support!

[JackRabbit]

Glad to hear he’s better!

[Beka27]

Thanks for the update, even if it was delayed! I’m so glad he’s doing well!

[Author]

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