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RABBIT SPINNING

22 10:40:09

Question
QUESTION: Hello Dana,
I have a male Jersey Woolie and he's 6 months old. I've only had him for 2 days and I have noticed that he spins a lot in circles. First his head turns slowly and then he starts to spin, usually to the right and sometimes to his left. I know that this is not normal- what is wrong with my bunny and how can I fix it?
Irene C.

ANSWER: Dear Irene,

Though I can't see him to be sure, it sounds as if your bunny is developing a case of torticollis.  This can be caused by many different things, from a ear infection to a parasite known as E. cuniculi.  You can get a complete rundown on the possible causes and treatments here:

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

and find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

You can read about my own experience with this disorder here:

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

Bottom line:  it is treatable, but you need a good vet to find out the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

I hope this helps.

Dana

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

QUESTION: Hello again Dana,
I looked up the torticollis and the description of it does not match what I see my rabbit doing. His head is not tilted to the side with one eye looking down. he looks to the right or left (usually the right), over and over really slow and then will spin in tight circles in one spot. Could it be something else or maybe the beginning of torticollis and his head is not tilting yet?

Answer
Dear Irene,

Many of the causes of head tilt are the same as what causes signs like the ones your bunny is exhibiting.  It could be an inner ear infection, E. cuniculi, or even (I hope not!) a brain abscess or tumor.  In any case, he need to be seen by a competent, experienced rabbit vet who can diagnose and treat the problem as soon as possible.

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana