Dwarf bunny wheezing and twisting neck

Question
Hi Dana, i have a 7 1/2 month old desexed female dwarf rex, who has developed a wheezy cough, only when she sits in her litter tray. it appears like she is marking her tray, as she usually accompanies this with a chin rub on the sides. however, she has just displayed this with a twist of the neck, while wheezing, then it all goes back to normal. i use recycled newspaper pellet litter, so there should be little if any dust, and she is eating, running around, and pooping as per normal. i rang the vet nurses yesterday, and they said as long as she was still active, as per above, there should be nothing to worry about. howver, the neck twist got me a little more worried. she is my first bun, and i would be devastated if anything were to happen. i have a bunny-expert vet who is a half-hour away, and my bun hates the car, so i am loathe to take her if this is simply a reaction. there is no wheezing at all when she is going about her daily business. Please let me know your suggestions? Thank you very much...

Answer
Dear Amanda,

I would get her to the vet.  If the head tilt persists, please read:

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

She might also have molar spurs that are causing her to rub in irritation.  Please see:

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

If you're worried about the stress, ask the vet if you could pick up a bit of Valium/diazepam for her to take about an hour before you go to the vet. It can really make a big difference.

Hope this helps.

Dana