If anything is wrong with your rabbit you’re bound to worry. Finding your bunny with their head tilting to one side is no exception. If you notice a tilted head in your furry friend, it’s essential to get a vet appointment booked straight away. It’s a bunny emergency!

We’ve put together the following information all about head tilt in rabbit symptoms, head tilt in rabbits’ treatment and how to prevent head tilt in rabbits, so you’re one step ahead.

What Is Head Tilt?

Head tilt is also called torticollis or wry neck, which means tilting of the head to the side. It’s a ‘vestibular syndrome’ caused by a problem with the central nervous system which affects the rabbit’s sense of balance. It’s not always obvious in mild cases, but in severe cases the head may also tilt down.

There are many possible causes, so rabbits with head tilt need to be looked at by your vet and treated quickly. Spotting the early signs of head tilt in rabbits and getting early treatment means the rabbit will be more likely to make a full recovery.

What Are the Causes of Head Tilt in Rabbits?

There are lots of reasons why a rabbit tilts its head, like mites, head trauma, neck abscess and bacterial infections. But heat tilt is most commonly caused by Encephalitozoonosis (Encephalitozoon cuniculi -E cuniculi -infection that affects the nervous system and eyes) or ear infections.

E cuniculi infection is caused by a protozoan parasite, which your rabbit will have been exposed to by ingesting contaminated food or water, or less commonly, by inhaling spores. Otitis media/interna or middle ear infection can be caused by bacteria, yeast, ear mites or even a foreign object.

Early detection is essential for a good outcome, so here are some signs of head tilt to keep an eye out for:

• Rabbit with a tilted head.
• Eye problems, like rapid eye movements, redness of the eye (conjunctivitis), cataracts or inflammation in the eye (uveitis).
• Rolling, which can be very severe preventing the rabbit from walking about or behaving normally.
• Walking round is circles.
• Unable to stand due to hindlimb weakness or even complete paralysis.
• Tremors, seizures or collapse.
• Head-shaking.
• Scratching the ears.
• A runny nose or breathing problems.
• Urine scalding on the back legs or incontinence.
• Eating less or stopped eating completely.
• Reduced/small/hard droppings or stops pooping completely – this is an emergency in itself, so if you ever notice your bunny hasn’t eaten for more than 8-12 hours, call your vet immediately!
• Hunched posture and closed eyes indicate your rabbit is in pain.
• Death.

Can Rabbit Head Tilt Be Treated?

Yes! Before your rabbit’s tilting head can be treated, your vet will do some tests to try and work out the cause. Blood tests will be needed to check for E. cuniculi infection. If they suspect an ear problem, x-rays or a CT scan will be needed. If your rabbit has mild signs, you’ll probably be able to treat your bunny at home with medication prescribed by your vet.

But, if they’re very poorly they may need to stay at the veterinary clinic so your vet can treat and give them supportive care around the clock. As well as being tempted with lots of their favourite foods, they may need fluid therapy, pain medication, medication to keep their tummy’s moving and eye medication for any eye problems.

Will My Rabbit Die from Head Tilt?

It’s not common for a rabbit to die from head tilt. Death is more likely to occur due to side effects like not eating. Detecting heat tilt early is the name of the game. If you notice any signs early on, your rabbit is likely to make a full recovery.

So don’t delay calling your vet if you think there’s a problem with your rabbit. The sooner they can be treated, the quicker and more likely they are to make a full recovery. Recurrence is possible, but this depends on the cause and how severe the initial bout of head tilt was. In mild cases, if the underlying cause is treated and resolved they shouldn’t be at higher risk of further bouts than any other healthy rabbit.

Some severe cases may be left with a head tilt but no other symptoms and will go on to live full and happy lives. Other may struggle with worsening bouts of heat tilt, especially if they suffer from other problems that complicate their condition.

A rabbit with a head tilt is classed a veterinary emergency! If you notice any signs, no matter how insignificant you think they may be, call your vet for advice. There are various causes, so your vet will need to investigate what’s causing the head tilt and the best course of treatment for your rabbit. Most mild cases can be treated and will have a successful outcome, but more severe cases can lead to death.

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Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your young rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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