Upright ear stuck back/down?

[pani]

I'm just running into too many bunny problems recently. :sigh:

Tonight my partner realised that one of Felix's ears, which normally sit upright, was sitting back and down, pressed against his head. The other ear was sitting up and turning to noises as normal. He also appeared to be shaking his head a lot, as if he were trying to shake it loose.

I suspected that it could have maybe gotten stuck around the crown or something, and tried moving it gently. He didn't seem pained or in any discomfort from my moving his ear, and it also looks like he's able to move it upright himself, but when he's not controlling his ears this one just sits pressed down against his head, whereas normally they'd both sit straight up.

It looks like it's gotten a little less severe since we first noticed it; it's sort of sitting at a 45 degree angle now whereas the other one is sitting up at a 90. I'm just concerned - could this be a minor case of, or the beginning of a head tilt? Should I be worried or is this a normal bunny thing? I know Clementine's lop ears have gotten caught up at times and tend to lop again on their own, but I've never seen the opposite happen with an upright eared bunn.

...

Okay, a few minutes after writing this, it looks like his ear has returned to its normal position. Still, is this anything to worry about? I've been concerned about Clementine's droppings recently possibly indicating a bacterial infection or similar, so I'm on the lookout for anything that's off with either of them.

 

[JBun]

Rabbits will sometimes raise just one ear if they are resting and mildly curious about something going on. But if this is happening when he is up hopping around and doesn't seem normal to you, then it could indicate a problem. Especially if he seems to be shaking his head a lot lately. My first thought would be a possible ear infection. Have you tried looking in the ear at all? Probably won't see anything even if there is an infection, but may be worth a look. So if there does seem to be a problem, you should get him to the vet.

 

[pani]

I had a look in the ear, and couldn't see anything. It looked identical to his other ear inside.

It was back to normal after posting this last night, and this morning before work it was sticking up as normal. If it doesn't happen again, does it sound like further investigation is needed?

 

[BlueMoods]

I'd get some VETRX Rabbit Remedy and use it in that ear per package directions. It is natural and won't harm the rabbit if nothing is wrong. If there is a tick or mites in there, it will get them out. Most rabbits rather like the few drops of warm oil swabbed in their ears. Mine all love the stuff for ears and sneezing, they come hopping to me when I open the bottle. Maybe the smell or the warmth when I put it in their ears or on their noses. I don't know why but, they like the stuff for some reason.

 

[lovelops]

This happens to my rabbits also when they are being too curious with what is going on and happening in other areas of the house. In fact last week it happened with Brooke! The same thing.. I got all worried called the vet up like a **** and it was nothing. She was just checking out what was going on in the other side of the house. The vet is going to start thinking I'm the rabbit owner that cries wolf all the time. Identical situation. I followed the vets instructions.. NOTHING was in the ear. I was all worried thinking mite, fleas ticks.. wait a second, we are in dead of winter with snow every other day.. where the heck are the ticks coming from??? I realize I'm being totally paranoid again. My vet is like, you work right? I mean you don't stay at home all day and just watch the rabbits right? I assured him NO..

Then this morning I was checking Lady's tum tum ... sigh... I need to get out of this mode! I know she is poohing because it's all over the kitchen floor!! And she is eating like a champ...

Oh well... at least we are being cautious..

Vanessa

 

[lovelops]

I know Clementine's lop ears have gotten caught up at times and tend to lop again on their own, but I've never seen the opposite happen with an upright eared bunn.

...

Okay, a few minutes after writing this, it looks like his ear has returned to its normal position. Still, is this anything to worry about? I've been concerned about Clementine's droppings recently possibly indicating a bacterial infection or similar, so I'm on the lookout for anything that's off with either of them.

I have.. Brooke and Chico.. read my post below.. do you drink? If so sit down with a glass of wine and unwind!

vanessa