This is a highly infectious condition. Harcourt-Brown, F.M (2002) Textbook of Rabbit Medicine and Surgery, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford Jenkins, J.R (2001) Skin disorders of the rabbit, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 4: 543-563 Kurade, N.P, Bhat, T.K and Jithendran, K.P (1996) Effect of ivermectin against ear mange mite (Psoroptes cuniculi) in naturally infested rabbits, World Rabbit Science 4: 25-27 He is constantly shaking his head, scratching his ears, pulling them down to groom them. They could be standing up on their hind legs or alert with all four feet on the ground. Many rabbits will twitch and shake in their sleep. A rabbit that has ear mites may or may not show symptoms of infestation and one or both ears may be affected. Do not ignore it. Sometimes, the shaking can be down up and down (bouncing). This is no cause for alarm. Many things can frighten a rabbit. Furthermore, researchers have revealed that some breed of bunnies is more exposed to inherited disorders and diseases that may result in this problem. It should also be understood that a bunny can even shake head due to itching, pain or inflammation in other parts of the body. When this is a gentle vibration, it’s a normal rabbit behavior. As Petcoach.co notes, “for a definitive diagnosis and treatment, you will need to take your rabbit to an exotic species veterinarian experienced with rabbits for a physical exam and nasal swab to culture for the Pasteurella bacterium.”. The conditions or symptoms are linked to the brain stem and nerve damage. This is usually accompanied by other signs of stress, such as an avoidance to being touched and unwarranted aggression. According to justrabbits.com, “signs of true vestibular disease in a rabbit are a persistent head tilt and a loss of balance.”. If you notice any of these signs, take your rabbit to see the veterinarian. Any signs of GI stasis should be taken seriously and need to be examined and treated by a veterinarian. Disease on the external part (or pinna) can also result in this problem. If you've noticed your rabbit tilting or shaking their head, they may have an ear infection. You should also make regular grooming, keep its hutches and or cages clean and take it to the vet for regular check-ups. Apart from the above causes, other conditions or factors that can conditions that trigger this behavior include: This will in most cases would signify an ear condition. Copyright © 2021. Should my rabbits ears be warm? This can be... 2. Most breeds of rabbits are much more able to deal with cold weather than extremes of heat. Your rabbit will most likely have several scratch marks in his ear from digging at it with it paws. It can also cause the head of your rabbits tilt. It’s important to then take the next step and educate yourself, so you can make sure your rabbit stays healthy and happy. Other signs of an infestation include crusty discharge which may have a similar appearance to dried mud. They can occur in one or both ears. What does it signify? The ears, the vestibular system (inner ear balance mechanism), the nerves in the ear area, and the eyes may all be affected. It is a physical reaction whereby they try to shake out the discomfort or it is a reaction to pain. They can be treated using some simple home remedies, OTC products, and prescription treatments. The signs and symptoms of otitis media and otitis externa vary. Just like cats, rabbits can get hairballs. Also, it can also be a symptom of snuffles or what is known as Pasteurella. Feed your bunny with the right diet to help boost its immunity. An avid animal lover, Roland started this blog to help all varieties of pets and their owners on their journey to living their best lives. Angry rabbits will twitch, shake their heads, and nudge or nibble at whatever has incited their anger. If they are severe, then the rabbit can die because … While many instances of rabbits shaking are completely normal, any more severe twitching or convulsing needs immediate medical attention. Therefore, always ensure you get a professional diagnosis from a vet when you are uncertain. Subtle shaking and jerking movements are okay, but violent jerking can be a sign of serious distress. Created by Meks. Body heat: Rabbits regulate body temperature by their ears. The first option of treating this habit or condition preventing possible triggers. Usually, rabbits with ear infection often shaking their ears, scratching them with paws, rubbing, and even can lead into anorexia, depression, and pain. In the first place, the build-up of wax in the rabbit`s ears would provide a conducive breeding ground for mites. Sometimes you may notice your rabbit shaking its head which may be accompanied with sneezing, ear scratching and moving it up and down. 9 DIY Hedgehog Cage Plans You Can Build Today (With Pictures), 7 DIY Guinea Pig Beds You Can Build Today (With Pictures), 9 DIY Hamster Toys You Can Make Today (With Pictures). The remedy or treatment options will highly depend on knowing the underlying cause as well as severity. The proper examination should be done for all types of bunny head shaking. In rare cases, it could just be a normal process of grooming. Any illness in the middle ear can also make the head-shaking alongside other symptoms. By the end of the article, you’ll know whether your rabbit’s shaking is normal, or whether it’s time to take them to the vet for help. When in doubt, call your vet for confirmation of anything that looks worrying. This makes it be able to control hearings and balance. Some especially problematic parasites will affect your rabbit’s nervous system, making them clumsy and disoriented. At this point, it’s pretty uncomfortabl… For a full list of plants that are toxic to rabbits, visit the Sacramento House Rabbit Society’s guide. Leading causes of bunny head shaking 1. Since the shanking and scratching mostly signalizes ear skin conditions, do a thorough examination of the ear and see whether you can establish the causes it. Fur Mites. Rabbits are meticulous self-groomers. Excessive head bobbing could be caused by the same conditions we have looked at that will make a bunny to shake its head. Prevention. Therefore, a proper diagnosis should be made by a qualified vet to establish the disease or the condition that is a bunny to shake its head. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Inner and middle ear inflammation can occur for various reasons in rabbits. If your rabbit is shaking its head, first check if the ears are okay. Fur mites are common around springtime in rabbits. Rabbits with longer ears, like those in the Lop family of breeds, are particularly susceptible to ear infections.

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