rescued young rabbit, head tilt and rolling

Question
I work in an animal hospital that specializes in dogs & cats but we had a "drop off" from someone who found a young (4-6 months?) female rabbit in a park.  She has severe head tilt and vestibular condition.  The doc put her on baytril (1/4 of 22 mg tablet once a day).  I've had her for 3 days now and her appetite is great (I have to help her eat) and syringe feed her water.  My question is:  In your experience, how long does it take for the condition to start getting better? (if at all)...  I hate to give up on her since she seems to have a great will to live.  Also, what is the best way to house her so that she doesn't get urine/feces scalding but can't hurt herself when she gets off balance.  Is there anything else I can be dong?  Thank you so much for any help you can give.  Sincerely, Carol.

Answer
Dear Carol,

Thank you for your kindness in helping this bunny!  At her tender age, it's not very likely that this is due to E. cuniculi, but if she has been living in a neglectful household, it's not impossible.  Please see:

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

and

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/fenbendazole.pdf

for more information on the diagnosis and treatment of torticollis in rabbits.  If your vet would like to consult with a rabbit expert vet about this, then Dr. Susan Kelleher or Dr. Amanda Salb would be glad to help.  They can be reached at (954) 968-7171.

Keeping her clean shouldn't be too hard with the dry bath technique I have described here:

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

I hope this helps.  It can take a long time, the right antibiotic (sometimes Baytril is not effective, sometimes it is), and even some physical therapy to help the head come back up, but even a bunny with a residual head tilt can live a completely happy, normal life.  We've had several who never lost their tilt, but were as happy as clams.  They're just a little bit "special" and they're always looking up at you with that sweet little eye.  :)

Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana