Head Scanning

Question
I have a 9 month old Sable Holland Lop with ruby colored eyes. I have only had him for a week. I adopted him from a dog and cat shelter who doesn't know anything about rabbits. His first checkup is scheduled for Monday of next week.

I noticed that he doesn't seem to see very well. Like if I am feeding him I have to put his food directly under his face or he just searches and searches for it. I know he can see because if he sees me with a treat he comes running.

But the big thing is he "scans" meaning when he is sitting still his head moves back and forth slowly. I used to have rats and I know when they have red or ruby eyes they scan. Is this the same thing in rabbits?

Answer
Hi Josephine,

That is normal in some ruby eyed rabbits.  Since sable is not a full color gene and they do have some removal of the pigment in the eyes that is probably why he is doing it.  We have had a lot of white and himalayan colored rabbits that scan.  I have never seen it in a rabbit that only has a ruby cast but it is not really a big deal.  I am sure the vet will check his eyes and if there is nothing wrong with them I wouldn't worry about it much.

Good luck

Pam