Why does my rabbit keep moving her head side-to-side?
I'm going to take a guess and say that your rabbit has red eyes, or eyes with a reddish cast to them in the light? If so, this is normal. It's called 'scanning', and most red eyed or near red-eyed rabbits will do it from time to time. It will be a pretty level back and forth motion, also like she's in a trance. The theory on this is that red-eyed rabbits have trouble seeing shadows, and scanning helps them bring things into focus. If her head is actually turning to the side so that one ear is lower than the other, or if she's having trouble balancing, then she likely has an inner ear infection and needs treatment, but what you're talking about sounds more like scanning.
Why is my rabbit leaning to one side? ?
My rabbit has a cataract in both of his eyes, and he is presumably blind. I noticed in the last few days that he seems to be leaning most of his weight onto his left side. There appears to be nothing wrong with his paws or legs on his right side, and he is moving and eating like normal. When he's sitting (which he doesn't do very often anyway) he seems to put all his weight on his left side. Why is he doing this, and is this normal?
Why does my loppy rabbit lean to one side?
Anything from ear mites predominant in one ear to an inner ear infection. Sniff the ear on the side he is leaning toward, it may have a different smell from mite secretions or infection. If your bun has mites there are several over-the-counter topical meds that can help. If he has an ear infection, the only sure way to tell is a veterinarian, who will give him Baytril if he does. It is good that you noticed this and nothing to ignore, if there is an infection it can become a condition known as "wry neck," where the bunny is seriously incapacitated and cannot walk or hop straight. Some are paralyzed by it.
Why does my rabbit twitch his head from side to side?
May sound silly but have his ears checked for mites or ear infections. Also he may have seizures. The best suggestion is to contact your vet or a vet who feel most comfortable in working with rabbits. If he isn't neutered that might be something to look into also. Not that he will have twitching head issues but if he were to have something that could pass down the line into the next generation it would be in his and their best interest to stop it before it continues. While at the vet you are paying for his or her time so ask lots of questions. Personally I would write them down in order of importance so you can make sure to remember what to ask. As for fleas in his environment, consult with a pest company or there again check with your vet. Sometimes they can be pesky and need more than just a topical treatment or room bug bomb. He might benefit from a good ear cleaning, brushing if he will let you and then check with the vet to see if a flea treatment is offered for his species. Good luck!
Why does my pet rabbit have his head completely tilted and his eye has crust on the outside? He was fine...?
yesterday and before that. He is almost 5 years old and he is a dwarf rabbit. He is still eating his rabbit hay. I don't understand why he would be acting like this all of a sudden. He's been drinking as well. I need help now. This is serious. Thank you.
Why do I always tilt my head to one side? Could it be a reason for my TMJ?
I do the same thing, I always tilt to the left. I also only slept on my left side for years. I also have horrible TMJ, only clench one side of my mouth and have done so for many years. this resulted in somehow breaking a tooth, and numerous infections. I also think my TMJ and clenching has led to a deviated septum, which has it's own set of horrible symptoms, and some palate problem on one side of my face. Over the last year I have noticed to my horror that when I DON'T tilt my head, the features on my face have become assymetrical, as if so used to being tilted that they have changed- one half of my face droops, and it was not from a stroke of anything like that, just from not using the two halves of my face symmetrically!HOWever, it is also known that persons who tilt their head are more approachable and seem to be more empathic listeners. Some of the best people I know are head tilters. And I don't think anyone else notices the facial assymetry. So, don't stress about it!
Is my rabbit relaxed or ill? Lying on its side with head on ground?
It is normal for them to do this- it means they are relaxed and happy- my bunnies do it all the time. However- they will also do this if they are very sick- the difference is a sick rabbit won't move when you approach it, and they will be like a rag doll when you pick them up, A halthy rabbit will probably get up or move when you approach, and will be it's normal self when you pick it up. Sounds like you have a happy, healthy relaxed bunny.
My 1 year old rabbit is walking with his head tilted to the right. He doesn't seem to be able to get his head straight again. Why is this happening?
Dust mites is usually not a problem in rabbits, so you should reconfirm the diagnosis with you vet. Maybe she told you fur mite, which is different.The three mites affecting rabbits are usually:fur mitesburrowing mites (mange)ear mites (which seems to fit your symptoms)The treatment you described also fits what would be given, which is an injection of the drug ivermectin beneath the skin (subcutaneous) in the neck area. What doesn't fit is the duration of the treatment, because it is normal to repeat the drug at 14 days interval for a total of 3 injections.Ear mites, if not caught early, or treated improperly can lead to an inner-ear infection which can cause the eardrum to get perforated. The animal can loose its sense of balance and also lean the head as you described.Fur mites and burrowing mites will be treated similar to the ear mites so I'm still surprised that you only got 1 injection of the drug. Multiple treatments will ensure the cycle of the parasite is broken by catching larvae that hatch later, because the eggs are not killed by the drug.Burrowing mites, or what is commonly known as mange, would show symptoms over the body with mild to severe hair loss. It is also easily transferred to other pets and humans, so it can be very serious.Your photos show no hair loss, so ear mite is the bigger suspect here, although the inside of the ear is usually scabbed over. Speak to your vet again, and don't forget to discuss specifically if he said dust mites were the diagnosis and he should also be told that the animal has access to your lawn, which is a good source of mites.
How smart are rabbits, wild and domesticated?
A lot smarter than most people think, and certainly comparable to most dogs and cats I’ve met.They’re easily litter trained, they know their names and basic commands. They’re awesome with time; every rabbit I’ve owned learned my schedule. My first rabbit would sit in his box under the bed when I got up and when I went to bed, waiting for me and keeping me company. In the morning he’d come running in 15 minutes before my alarm went off, and in the evenings he stayed there for about 15 minutes after the lights went out. They all know food times - my current rabbit will remind you when it’s time for food or lettuce.They can be sly. Cole the cranky beast bun uses his adorableness to get extra meals. He’ll dance around and act as though he hasn’t eaten until I feed him (again), but now that we’re onto him he’s stopped trying since it no longer works. Other rabbits I've had will stop doing things they know they’re not allowed to when they know you’re looking at them and even try to distract you from the forbidden activity by running up to you or somewhere else.They’re sweet. Godiva left me carrots every day, because she thought she was supposed to take care of me. Maybe not so bright since I was the one who gave her the carrots, but I was impressed that she communicated to her bond mate that those carrots were for me and not to be eaten. They always left me 2 baby carrots. (She did this with more than one bond mate, so I know it was her.)They learn quickly and can generally figure things out and will surprise you with their games and thoughtfulness.