Rabbit with Bells Palsy?

Question
QUESTION: We noticed that our rabbit had what looked to be any eye infection or blocked tear duct of some kind a day or so ago. So we cleaned her eye up with a warm compress to see if the goo/crusty would return. The next day the eye seemed quite a bit better but we still weren't sure and our neighbor is a dog/cat surgeon so we asked him to take a look and see what he thought. He noticed that on the same side as the affected eye (right side) her ear was lower, she would not blink that eye, and she did not react to pokes to that side of the face. The other side, left side, seems to be just fine and will reflex to touch. Besides this she is acting completely normal, still eating well and running/hopping around during play time. Our neighbor said his few tests would lead him to Bells Palsy if it were a cat or dog but he says he is not positive with rabbits. He also recommended we give her natural tears every four to six hours to make sure her eye stays clear. We have been doing this and all seems to be fine so far. Could this be Bells Palsy or signs of something worse to come?

ANSWER: Dear Josh,

It's good that your neighbor realizes that there could be significant differences in diagnosis when one sees similar signs in a dog/cat and in a rabbit.  Bell's palsy isn't impossible, but it is extremely rare in a rabbit, and I've never heard of a confirmed diagnosis of this condition in a rabbit.  If areas other than just the face were involved, I would suggest that a stroke could be a possibility.

However, the signs you see are more consistent with either an inner ear infection and/or molar root abscess that may be affecting the innervation of the face.  If the eye was runny, this is an even stronger "red flag."  

Rabbits do not have as distinct a pupillary response as dogs and cats, but if the bunny would not blink even if the cornea is gently touched, then there is definitely nerve involvement in this problem.  Please read:

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

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

and find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can do an in-person exam (head radiographs may be necessary), diagnosis, and prescription of appropriate treatment.

You may also find the information here useful, since one ear is dipping lower.  The bunny may not have full-blown torticollis/head tilt, but the causes are the same.  Please see:

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

and

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

I hope you can get your bunny to an experienced rabbit vet ASAP.  The sooner treatment is begun, the quicker and more complete the recovery.

Good luck!

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dana I just wanted to thank you for your quick response and information. We decided to take the rabbit in to a highly recommended vet that sees many rabbits and is a certified dentist. He gave her a full exam and commented on her wonderful temperment and coat. He looked in her mouth and did see some puss but based on her exam he recommended that we take her back in a couple days later for x-rays and a possible removal of a tooth if the infection called for it. So two days later we were able to get her back. He thought her mouth was looking much better but wanted to take x-rays to make sure everything was good. The x-rays came back clean and said she should clear up soon and gave her an antibiotic shot for good measure. He also filed down her rear teeth a little, he said they were very sharp and he wanted to dull them a litle so she couldn't hurt herself. She was a little sluggish for a couple days after, but ate and drank well. Now she is back to normal and her ear has even perked up almost back to normal. I just wanted to thank you for your help, it was much appreciated.

Answer
Dear Josh,

I'm glad the bunny is feeling better.  Once there's been pus around a tooth, though, you'll need to be vigilant for any signs of recurrence. I'm glad the vet was slow to prescribe antibiotics.  But some day your bunny may need them, and early diagnosis and treatment of a dental root abscess is the best way to ensure full and prompt recovery.

Good luck!  :)

Dana