Bunny stood up, head thrown back, chewing and shaking

Question
In mid-October, my bunny friend Cottontail suddenly stood up, throwing head back, chewing, and his forepaws shaking, then after a few seconds he crouched down, chewing still. This condition lasted for 10 or more seconds, and then he went back to normal. His faecal pellets examine suggests he had no coccidia.
Last night, this condition occurred again, and he went back to normal in ten seconds too. Then, his owner Lu opened the cage, he jumped out cheerfully and fooling around. After half an hour, the same condition occurred once again! This time, he drooled a little.
Cottontail is 2 year old and had been neutered one and a half ago, he seems normal so far: mental state, appetite, drops, etc.
The region Cottontail lives had no vet for rabbits, so we are wondering if there's any examination and treatment could be done by our vet for dogs and cats.
We really need and appreciate your advice.
Thank you!

Answer
Dear Emma,

Was Cottontail eating at the time of these episodes?  If so, he may be aspirating his food and choking on it.  Some rabbits are more predisposed to this than others, though the reasons are not always clear.

Another possibility is molar spurs or other dental/oral problem.  Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/dental.html

Since you don't have any vets who are already experts on rabbits, you may have to cultivate someone.  Here is an excellent book:

http://www.amazon.com/Rabbit-Dentistry-Handbook-Vittorio-Capello/dp/0970639511

outlining dental procedures commonly done on rabbits.  It's not inexpensive, but might be something a local vet willing to start learning about rabbits would be willing to buy in order to start being referred rabbit-loving clients.  You have to start somewhere.

Internet resources abound for learning about rabbit care and medicine. So if you can find a veterinarian who is basically a GOOD veterinarian, ask if s/he would be willing to start becoming the local Rabbit Vet, and that you would be willing to help put him/her in touch with others who could help with internet resources.

I hope this helps.

Dana