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Head Tilt Rehabilitation

22 9:59:04

Question
Hi Dr. Krempels - 10 days ago, one of my two rabbits was suddenly struck with Head Tilt.  The Dr.s ruled out inner ear infection early with blood work and a CT scan (and visible assesment).  However began treatment with both Baytril and Pancur.  When the 2nd rabbit tested Strong Positive for E Cuniculi a few days later (the first rabbit's results still not back), we began treatment of him with Panacur and then gave each rabbit an injection of Ivermetrin.  We hope to get Poo's official results tomorrow.

So here we are 10 days later and Poo's mobility is very limited due to her lack of balance, her appetite is pretty good but is selectively eating (loves veggees but wont eat pellets and only eats a little hay).  She drinks a ton of water and loves drinking water from a syringe in particular (although will drink out of a bowl and / or water bottle).  She is pooing, but only little crumbs (no round ones yet).  I have been force feeding her Critical Care and dr. lefebres herbevore powder - but she hates it and fights it which stresses us both.  She is no longer taking Baytril, but is still taking Metacam and cisapride as necessary (although I have only given her metacam once today).

Is there anything else you can suggest taht I can do?  I know i dont have to tell you that this is heartbreaking.  I feel completey helpless and want to ensure I am doing everything to help her.

Also, the second rabbit is now being aggressive with Poo.  They were never completely bonded, but did cuddle and groom eachother regularly.  Poo desperately misses this and does not understand why Jack is being aggressive now.  Is there anything I can do here to help Jack understand this better and be more affecctionate to her again.

Thank you for your assistance.

Tiffanie

Answer
Dear Tiffanie,

This is a very difficult situation, and Jack's aggression isn't helping Poo's constitution.  :(  First, please read these articles for complete information on the condition:

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

and

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

Placing both bunnies in a completely strange and neutral territory can help with the re-bonding.  But Jack might still be aloof if Poo is sick and tilted, so there's no real telling what will happen. In the meantime, you'll have to give Poo extra love and attention so she knows she's not abandoned.

If you think you need a second opinion on treatment, you can find experienced rabbit vets here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana