ASAP

Question
I've had my Netherlands dwarf rabbit for 7 years now and just a few days ago we noticed she was disoriented and her neck was twisted to a side. We've tried going to local vets, but are left disappointed when we find out that they only specialize in cats and dogs.
I have put mineral oil in her ears to see if it would reduce anything, but nothing has happened.
I constantly massage her neck and body, but yet there are no results.
I don't know what else to do and I'm not going to give up on her, but i want her to get well soon!
:(

Please help me!

Answer
Hi,

she has head tilt (torticolis).  It can be caused by bacteria infections in the inner ear, brain, or by a parasite in the brain (e cuniculi often).  She either needs to be on panacur and/or an antibiotic that can knock out any infection she may have.  Mineral oil won't do anything.  She also needs to be given metacam (pain relief and an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling in her ears/brain).

When you get her meds, follow the directions and give them to her as long as they last (finish them up completely).  If there is a refill on them, get the refill and follow the full course of them again.  You want to wipe out the infection/parasite completely so that the stronger strains are killed off instead of surviving and re-attacking her.

Go to the House Rabbit Society page here:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

and find a House Rabbit Society vet around your area.  You may have to travel a ways to get to one.  Call ahead.  Tell them she has head tilt and it's getting worse.

Don't put this off, this can cause permanent damage (meaning she may not get her head back all the way to normal).  The longer it goes untreated the more likely the damage will be worse, and permanent.  Either this or find an emergency vet clinic - usually they have 1-2 people who have experience with rabbits.

Get to one as soon as you can.  Lee