Help, sick rescue rabbit

[DallasRabbitMan]

HI. I was wondering if anyone can answer a question I have about one of my rabbits. First off, I've had these rabbits for about 6 months. There were a whole bunch of domestic rabbits running around my church and we had to capture as many as we could because they were being killed by neighborhood dogs. We got away with 5. When I got them they all had horrible HORRIBLE cases of ear mites. I have since treated them for it and their ears look clean and healthy now (Praise Jesus). One of the rabbits, I believe the breed is a Californian, has this strange problem. Its always had the problem but in the last few months its gotten worse. I have another male of the same breed who also has the condition but on;y slightly, and that one seems to be doing fine. Anyway the problem is, this rabbit Cannot lift up its head in the normal position. its head is always drooping, cocked over, and its left eye is always facing the ground. I have no idea how it eats but it does manage to eat its food from out of the bowl. I am suspicious of an inner ear infection due to its bad case of ear mites but i'm not sure. Is this condition reversible? If not is the rabbit suffering? Will the condition as it appears in the second rabbit get as bad as the first one over time? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
-Dallas Rabbit man.

 

[Ape337]

I'd check out a condition called head tilt. I don't personally have experience with it, but hopefully someone who does will chime in. It requires vet attention if it is.

There is info in the library on head tilt too.

 

[JBun]

This is actually a very serious condition. They either have an inner ear infection or e. cuniculi. Both conditions can be fatal if not treated correctly and right away, and both require longterm(more than 2 weeks) medication. It can be reversible, but it just depends on if there is permenant nerve damage. It can be uncomfortable for them. It can make them feel dizzy and can get to the point where they can no longer eat on their own. The head tilt can become so severe that the rabbit will roll or flip over. You need to take both rabbits into a good rabbit vet right away, and also any other buns that may be showing similar symptoms. If you don't already have a good rabbit vet, here are a couple lists that you may be able to find one that is near you.

http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=15036&forum_id=17
http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

 

[DallasRabbitMan]

Ok great thanks yall