burst ear drum

Question
My mom took my rabbit to the vet today as her head was tilted to one side and I knew that that means something is wrong and my mom was told that she has a burst ear drum and it won't head. The vet said that my bunny isn't in pain now, and she has learned to live with her head tilted to one side.  It is so sad looking at her with her head always tilted, is there anything I can do to make her feel better or make her more comfortable?

Answer
Dear Laura,

First thing I'd do is go to a vet who knows more about rabbits!  This is not a burst ear drum.  It is a condition called "torticollis"--or wry neck--and it can have several different causes, most of which can be treated.  The sooner the condition is treated with the appropriate medication, the better chances for a full recovery.

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and read more about this condition, what causes it, and how to successfully treat it here:

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

Do not let this go untreated.  It will get worse on its own, not better.  But please find a vet who knows something about rabbits, and not the one you've already seen.

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana