Pink-Eyed Rabbit Swaying Head - Will it worsen?

[Ryes]

Our doe has either pink or ruby eyes (pink I think). She is 5 1/2 months old and has swayed her head since we've had her. Reading a couple of good articles and discussions have, somewhat, eased my mind - at least I know its a known trait.

We've had her about 4 months and the swaying seems to have gotten a bit worse and she has become less active. She has always been skittish when you reach toward her. She is not at all aggressive and enjoys being held. When held, she just stays in one spot and licks my arm.

So my questions are 1) do you think it will continue to worsen? 2) could she go blind? 3) if blind, can rabbits still function?

https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threa...ry-scared-of-hands.100618/reply?quote=1164780

 

[JBun]

Her sight could be worsening. That would be an explanation for the change of behavior. And it could continue to worsen or not, but it's impossible to say without having a vet check her eyes to make sure she doesn't have some other eye condition causing her reduced vision, that could maybe be corrected. If in doubt if it might be a medical condition that might need treatment, it's best to consult with a knowledgeable rabbit vet.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Eyes
Rabbit Vets Near Me | House Rabbit Society

For blind or poorly sighted rabbits, it's important to keep their environment the same, and not move anything out of place. That will help add some security. But one thing that may be the most helpful, is finding her a bunny companion. Having a companion can help her feel more secure, and she'll never be alone.

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/blindness.html
If you decide to go this route, I would suggest checking shelters and rescues for already fixed rabbits to let her try having 'dates' with. And because of her vision problems, I would avoid more difficult matches, and only go with one where both rabbits seem very clearly taken with each other. If you can find a place experienced in finding the right match, that's ideal, as bonding can be a tricky process, where an injury could occur if not approached correctly. It's already going to be difficult because of her poor eyesight making her more nervous about new things.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html
https://cottontails-rescue.org.uk/information/bonding-bunnies/
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together
If you're unable to have another rabbit, or you feel bonding would be too stressful for her, then I would just keep her environment and routine as consistent as possible, and spend time sitting with her as much as you can. Right now she looks to you to feel safe and secure.

 

[Ryes]

Her sight could be worsening. That would be an explanation for the change of behavior. And it could continue to worsen or not, but it's impossible to say without having a vet check her eyes to make sure she doesn't have some other eye condition causing her reduced vision, that could maybe be corrected. If in doubt if it might be a medical condition that might need treatment, it's best to consult with a knowledgeable rabbit vet.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Eyes
Rabbit Vets Near Me | House Rabbit Society

For blind or poorly sighted rabbits, it's important to keep their environment the same, and not move anything out of place. That will help add some security. But one thing that may be the most helpful, is finding her a bunny companion. Having a companion can help her feel more secure, and she'll never be alone.

http://www.disabledrabbits.com/blindness.html
If you decide to go this route, I would suggest checking shelters and rescues for already fixed rabbits to let her try having 'dates' with. And because of her vision problems, I would avoid more difficult matches, and only go with one where both rabbits seem very clearly taken with each other. If you can find a place experienced in finding the right match, that's ideal, as bonding can be a tricky process, where an injury could occur if not approached correctly. It's already going to be difficult because of her poor eyesight making her more nervous about new things.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html
https://cottontails-rescue.org.uk/information/bonding-bunnies/
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together
If you're unable to have another rabbit, or you feel bonding would be too stressful for her, then I would just keep her environment and routine as consistent as possible, and spend time sitting with her as much as you can. Right now she looks to you to feel safe and secure.

@JBun thanks for the input. We've had her at the vet but not specifically for the eye condition. We will look into that.

She is bonded to a male (neutered) rabbit. They've been together since we got them. I have noticed that they don't cuddle as much as they used to. She still grooms him quite a bit but they don't just flop down together like they did even a month ago. She usually stays to herself (mostly in her cardboard box) and doesn't explore like he does.