Rabbit with Head Tilt

My 6 yr. old male Netherland Dwarf rabbit, who is an indoor house bunny, developed held tilt on October 28, 2008. Seven vet visits later, his head is still severly tilted. People have told me I should just have him euthanized and told me I am cruel to make him suffer. First, he is not suffering as you will see from the video. Second, why would I end his life when this is treatable? We wouldn't euthanize a human for an ear infection. He is now on Azithromycin which has shown great results in the UK. (I'm in the US.) Please be kind if you post comments! I love my bun very much.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• thunder
• headtilt

[Inyesta1000]

I'm really happy to see this video! My Bunny has a head tilt since 3 days. I went to the vet and he said to euthanize him when he doesn't walk normally after 5 days. He still falls down often and rolls over constantly, but he's still eating and drinkin... Thanks for posting this video, it gave me a bit more hope again :))

[tamtom316]

@Inyesta1000 Yes, if your bun is eating and drinking- even with help, then give him a chance and have them put him on medications! My bunny is still alive and doing very well. This video was taken 3 years ago! :) I'm happy to report he will be having yet another birthday March 1st. He will be 10 years old! Make sure to give your bun plenty of hay. A little minced garlic on some leaf lettuce is good for them too.

[masterchief3k]

i don't get why they can't turn their head back.

[tamtom316]

@masterchief3k It messed up the vestibular nerve that has to do with equilibrium and balance. He "thinks" he's right side up, I guess. He can straighten his head out and does when he eats, it just doesn't stay that way.

[tamtom316]

He is a happy (and spoiled ) bunny. Glad you created a page to help people with awareness. You are right- not many know about it or what to do.

[foxybingo68]

I researched as hard as I can, tried all of the treatments and none of them worked....... She died last night, Misty left the world

[tamtom316]

@foxybingo68 I am so sorry to hear you lost your bun. :(

[rubynala97]

Our bunny was just diagnosed with head tilt and is responding very well to antiparasitic meds. Happy that people are creating awareness...best of luck!

[beckybluebird1]

this bunny looks so happy :) so cute

our bunny sadly dies in 2008 miss him everyday, he had head tilt and couldn't even feed himself. not many people know about head tilt and what can cause it, pet shops don't advise you about it either, we opened a page on facebook to make awareness of head tilt and E.C.

vets and some people think its better for the rabbit to be put to sleep if it has head tilt, that's not the case at all why if they're eating and they're happy

[belladonna1999]

@tamtom316 Thank you for condolences. She did have to be put to sleep because it was hopeless.

[tamtom316]

@belladonna1999 I just now seen this. I am so sorry to hear about your bunny's head tilt. Sometimes they can be saved- like my Thunder, and sometimes it is the right thing to do to let them go. Thunder still is tilted but gets around fine and loves to be a little pest. lol It was 3 years ago he developed tilt and he is still going strong. He will be 10 in March! He is a very old man rabbit. Sounds like your bun lead a long happy life.