Baby Rabbit Behavior Seizure???

Question
My two sons came home with baby rabbits last week after a visit from their mother.  One was purchase at a swap meet  and the other was purchased at a pet store.  Yesterday we were playing with them both outside on the grass and they were hopping around our patio.  After we came in the bunny purchased at the swap meet flopped over and laid on its back for quite some time.  I thought he was playing and just flopped over, but when he didn't get up I got concerned.  I knew he wasn't dead because he/she was breathing but it looked like his eye was stuck because I could see the white of the eye.  The other bunny got really close and snuggled up next to it.  About 5 minutes later after my step son nudged him, he flipped back over and seemed fine.  The other bunny kept close, licking his back.  He did seem really tired and wanted to fall asleep.  Since the incident he has been fine and acting normal. Is it possible that he had a seizure or possibly was bitten by a spider when playing out side?  I have grown to like the little guys and wouldn't want anything to happen to them....

Answer
Dear Kristina,

If the bunny hopped up and acted normal after flopping down, it's possible he was just doing the "happy bunny flop" that a very contented rabbit will do.  Because rabbits sleep with their eyes open, it wouldn't be unusual for you to see his eyes or the whites of his eyes if his head was rolled over a bit backwards.

Keep a close eye on him, and watch for any other signs that something neurological might be going on.  If in doubt, please get both babies to a good rabbit vet for a complete checkup:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Baby bunnies also can get ear infections, and this can cause head tilt.  Early signs can include a loss of balance and a tendency to fall over.  Please read:

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

for more information, and if you think this might be the problem, you can print and share this with your vet:

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

Hope that helps.

Dana