Rabbit Head Tilt/Inner Ear Infection

Question
Dear Dr. Krempels:  I have a six year old dwarf (boy) bunny; never sick until 4 weeks ago started to flop over; took him to my (exotic) vet immediately and he was sent home with antibiotics, pain meds, and fluids; just last week he sat on his feet (rather than upside down); my question to you is - it seems some days he is looking great, and then the next day has a set back - is this normal? its been 4 weeks - i would think the antibiotics would be clearing up this infection by now or at least be seeing more improvement? also lately he fights me to get meds in his mouth - one day will eat greens eagerly and the next day he wants nothing. Also it seems he spins much more during the night - do you know why this might be? I am trying not to lose my patience but I need to know there is hope that he will improve someday. Any advice/encouragement would be appreciated!  

Answer
Dear Bonnie,

What you're describing is normal.  Head tilt can take a long time to resolve, and there can be more to it than infection.  The following article, written by a veterinarian who is one of the world's rabbit medicine experts, gives a fantastic overview:

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

You can also read about my own experience with head tilt bunnies here:

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

If there is a suspicion that E. cuniculi might be involved, please ask your vet about a course of fenbendazole, just in case.

Hope this helps!

Dana