wry neck in a baby lop

Question
hi my 3 week old mini lop has just come out of the nest and it has a wry neck and walks unbalanced,it,s strong and healthy other wise,it,s 2 other siblings are fine,what has caused this and is there any cure for a baby so young,thanks jen

Answer
Dear Jeanette,

Even a very young baby can get an inner ear infection, and this could be the cause.  It's also possible that the baby had a difficult birth (perhaps was pushed out in an awkward way, causing the bent neck) and that massage and gentle straightening of the neck will help restore normal position (we had a baby jackrabbit born this way, and with some massage and gentle stretching, she eventually turned out just fine).

You can read about the various causes and treatments for this condition here:

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

and find a good rabbit vet to help you here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Please also read:

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

I hope this helps.

Dana