Head Tilt – Senior Rabbit

[amandamarie]

I have an 8-year old Holland lop rabbit named Lulu. She has been plagued with ear problems for most of her life, which we have addressed with our very rabbit-savvy vet.

In 2013, she underwent an ear canal lateral resection on her right ear. There was so much pus build-up, that it had created a bulge just below her ear, which is why we opted for the surgery. It went very well and to this day, the “hole” created is still in tact and drains pus daily.

She was diagnosed with arthritis in early 2016, and has been on a daily dose of Metacam for pain control. We continue the Metacam daily.

 In August 2016, Lulu began displaying head tilt symptoms – nystagmus, rolling, uncontrollable head movement. Vet tested for EC, and it was negative. She assumed it was an inner infection and immediately put her on Baytril. After about a week, the symptoms were not getting better. Vet switched her to Chlorenphenicol, and she was on this for a month. She seemed to improve.

In January 2017, the symptoms returned. Doctor put her back on Chlorenphenicol, but after about two weeks without much improvement, we decided to try a new antibiotic. She was on Azythromicin for two weeks, and made huge improvements.

Two days ago, the symptoms returned and they are at their worst I’ve ever seen. The nystagmus and head rolling does not stop. The odd things is, before this, the rolling and tilt went left, and this time around, it is going right. She is not moving from her one spot, though she is eating any food I bring her, including pellets and leafy greens. Doctor decided to try Baytril again, which she has taken two doses of. We also gave her Meclazine (crushed a 12.5mg tablet into a syringe). I know its only been 24 hours, but I am not seeing an improvement. She is not leaving her one spot she is. I put pillows around her to prop her up, but she seems completely immobile.I am not sure if she is giving up or if this is normal. She has such a strong spirit, but these symptoms have just taken over and I wonder if her body is giving out. Any advice from folks that have gone through this would be great!

[BanditCamp]

Sound’s like the poor baby’s suffering, im not a vet but I know that no movement is a prelude to pain…i would consider( although I’ll get a mixed response) the possibility that you might have to consider talking to your vet about survival options

[Jessica]

Your poor baby! You mentioned that your vet tested for EC and it was negative, but did you ever do a course of panacure as a just in case?

We are dealing with inner ear infection and/or EC in my bun right now. After talking to my vet we decided to treat for both. For Amelia she kinda leveled off when we started treatment, but then 4 days in got worse gradually. We then changed her meds, added metacam and doubled her meclizine to a morning and evening dose and she’s now on an up swing. Now her symptoms were not as bad as your bun, but everything I have read and others I have talked to all say that this will get worse before it gets better.

Lots of healing vibes to your bun

[Author]

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