The sudden onset of neurological problems in a pet rabbit can appear to be a stroke, but it is often a sign of other underlying health issues. These episodes require immediate veterinary attention. Understanding the signs of distress and their common causes helps owners respond quickly, which is a significant factor in the potential for recovery.
Signs of Neurological Distress in Rabbits
A primary sign of neurological trouble is a severe head tilt, a condition called torticollis. The rabbit’s head may be tilted at a sharp, unnatural angle, making normal movement difficult. An affected rabbit may struggle to stand, walk, or even right itself if it falls over.
A loss of balance, known as ataxia, often accompanies the head tilt. The rabbit may stumble, lean against walls for support, walk in tight circles, or continuously roll in one direction. This loss of equilibrium stems from a disruption in the body’s vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation.
Another common sign involves the eyes, with rapid, involuntary side-to-side or up-and-down movements called nystagmus. These uncontrolled movements indicate the rabbit’s sense of balance is compromised. Some rabbits also exhibit partial facial paralysis, where one side of the face appears to droop, affecting the eye and mouth.
Common Causes of Stroke-Like Symptoms
A true stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, is rare in rabbits. The neurological signs owners observe are most often caused by more common, treatable conditions. A primary cause is the microscopic parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi). This parasite is widespread, and many rabbits carry it without ever showing signs of illness.
E. cuniculi is transmitted through infected urine, and its spores can survive in the environment for long periods. Once ingested, the parasite targets the kidneys and brain. A stressful event can activate the dormant parasite, causing brain inflammation that produces the previously mentioned neurological signs.
A bacterial infection of the middle and inner ear (otitis media/interna) is another major cause of these symptoms. The inner ear contains the vestibular apparatus, and an infection caused by bacteria like Pasteurella multocida can cause inflammation that disrupts equilibrium. Less frequent causes include head trauma, exposure to toxins, or an abscess or tumor in the brain or skull.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Immediate Treatment
A veterinarian will perform a physical examination to assess the rabbit’s overall condition. This includes checking the ears with an otoscope for signs of inflammation or discharge. The vet will also conduct a neurological exam to evaluate the rabbit’s reflexes and eye movements.
Diagnostic tests help differentiate between the common causes. Blood tests can measure antibody levels, or titers, to E. cuniculi. Elevated antibody levels indicate exposure to the parasite but do not definitively prove it is the cause of the current symptoms. Your veterinarian may also recommend imaging, such as X-rays or a CT scan, to view the skull and brain for signs of infection, abscesses, or other abnormalities.
Treatment addresses the most likely cause. If E. cuniculi is suspected, an anti-parasitic drug like fenbendazole is prescribed, while an ear infection requires a long course of antibiotics. To manage symptoms, veterinarians may prescribe anti-vertigo medication like meclizine to help with dizziness, and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used to reduce swelling.
Supportive Care and Long-Term Management at Home
Recovery requires supportive care at home to create a safe environment that prevents injury. Confine the rabbit to a small, single-level space with soft, padded flooring. You can use rolled-up towels or blankets to prop the rabbit up and prevent it from rolling.
Maintaining nutrition and hydration is also important. A disoriented rabbit will likely be unable to eat or drink on its own, so owners may need to hand-feed their rabbit. In some cases, syringe-feeding with a critical care formula is necessary to ensure the rabbit receives enough calories and fluids to support its recovery.
Hygiene is a consideration, as an immobile rabbit cannot groom itself or use a litter box correctly. The owner must keep the rabbit clean and dry to prevent urine scald and skin infections, which may require daily cleaning. As the rabbit stabilizes, a veterinarian might recommend physical therapy exercises to help it regain strength and coordination.