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My rabbit has a head tilt and seems withdrawn. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 29 days old

I have a rabbit with a head tilt over the past couple of days. He's slowly become more withdrawn. He is eating and drinking ok and will let you stroke him

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Allison Newth, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 30th, 2017

Poor Thumper! Head tilts in rabbits are generally medical problems that need to be assessed and treated by a veterinarian. Often they are caused by an infection in the middle or inner ear that almost always require systemic antibiotics. Though here are occasionally other things that can cause these (tumors, abscesses, trauma, etc.) with Thumper being so young and you reporting no history of trauma they are lower on my list of differentials. I would get Thumper to his vet soon because the last thing you want is for him to start feeling badly, stop eating, and go into GI Stasis which can be life threatening. I hope this helps, good luck with your little guy!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2017

    Thumper needs to see a vet. She likely has an inner ear infection; that is the most common reason for a head tilt. Here is an article about this problem. The head tilt could also be caused by a parasite, stroke, trauma or a toxin. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=2371 I suggest you get her to a vet as soon as you can for an exam.

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    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 21st, 2017

    I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian for a good exam. Head tilts can be secondary to inner ear infection, parasites and even infection. If she is not improving a vet visit is best. I would monitor her drinking and eating closely. If she is not eating I would try to force feed her to prevent her gi tract from slowing down. I hope Ottis feels better soon

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