Head tilt and loss of appetite

[Clarajb]

My Ralphie boy is almost 3.  He is fully vetted and lives indoors.  We adopted him when he was about a year old.  

Last week Ralphie suddenly lost his appetite.  I immediately took him to the vet and was instructed to give him critical care/ fluids – I had to force feed him, which was a mess, but slowly he perked up.  Then he stopped again.  This time I was given pain/gas meds/ subcutaneous fluids.  He slowly started to eat – pellets and critical care.  Still not eating or drinking or pooping as much as usual and not eating greens, which is crazy for him.

Today (1 week later) he woke up with his head tilted to the left side.  Took him back to the vet… apparently his ear canal is totally plugged with wax/buildup (they can’t see the eardrum on the left side).  The poor guy can’t hop without falling over and is barely eating… now I’m giving him ear meds multiple times a day, plus antibiotics for a possible ear infection, plus meds for e cuniculi in case he has it (although he had a negative blood test done a year ago).  He also had a CBC today which was normal (thankfully).

So… I am quite worried about my boy.  Does anyone have experience with head tilt + appetite loss?  I’m hoping that he will take the critical care on his own – he is supposed to get 6 tablespoons a day (he lost .25 lbs in a week, down to 3.75 so the critical care is crucial).  Thanks…

[jerseygirl]

{{{Vibes}}} for Ralphie!

I’ve experienced this with one of my rabbits. She didn’t want to eat on her own the first week. She was very stubborn taking assisted feed too. Even the vet had trouble attempting it. It’s not uncommon for them to not want to eat.

The treatment plan sounds good!
I’d would ask for pain/anti inflammatory meds if he isn’t on them. Also something like meclizine which can help with nausea/dizziness.
Did the vet clear out the wax?

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