QuestionMy white lop rabbit has been twitching its head and eyes since last night. He is trying to eat and can't because of the constant head twitching. His head is turning to left back and forth rapidly and so are his eyes. The twitching stopped for just a little while when he finally went to sleep. What's wrong? What are some home remedies I can do if any? I can't get him to the vet right now and I need some help immediately! Thanks.
AnswerHi Amanda,
you need to get him in to the vet as soon as possible. This is indicative or a real medical problem in his inner ear and/or brain, causing the twitching and the nystagmus (eye twitching). There's an infection and/or parasite in his brain, and it's either damaging his brain and if it's an infection it's building up pressure in there affecting his nerves and throwing of his perception of balance and causing the eyes to dart back and forth.
I would recommend checking the outer ears as best you can and see if any signs of an outer ear infection are present, it would confirm it's moved to the inner ear/brain. His symptoms are indicative of it even if you don't see it, but if you did they could culture it.
The vet needs to put him on chloramphenicol (antibiotic) as this works better than other antibiotics for infections in the brain (passes blood/brain barrier better). Also will need to be on metacam for reducing swelling and decreasing any pain from the pressure in his head.
You absolutely have to get him in to a vet immediately there are no home remedies - the infection is in his head, and he needs effective antbiotics. If you have any chloramphenicol left from past problems consider his weight and give him a dose. Any metacam, give him a dose keeping his weight in mind and adjusting for that. Write down when you gave it, and how much, so that when you get to the vet you can let him/her know what you've done so far and when.
Also you will need to have blood drawn to check this is not e cuniculi. Vet may want to give him panacur (I would suggest) until the test results come back, as antibiotics will do nothing if it's e cuniculi.
Also roll up some towels and line his cage in case he falls. You may wnat to move him to his portable carrier lined with soft towels and soft bottom to prevent him flopping around more. Sometimes when it gets bad some rabbits just like being held, it helps them if they are disoriented.
But you have to get him in, this is extremely serious. I had a guy with this this year and there's no way he could have survived without the vet and strong prescription drugs.