Vestibular Disease in Rabbits
Vestibular disease refers to any abnormality in the vestibular system, which is the system that senses the position of the head and body in space, relative to gravity and movement. Vestibular disease can occur in all animals but rabbits are commonly affected.
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Anatomy
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As in humans, the vestibular system receptors of the rabbit are located in the semicircular canals of the inner ear, which also houses the cochlea, vestibule and vestibulocochlear nerve. The nerve sends messages from the receptors to the brain, where it originates, allowing the brain to perceive balance, equilibrium and head position.
Signs and Symptoms
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When a rabbit is affected with vestibular disease, the most notable sign is a head tilt in the direction of the affected side, which can range from a few degrees to 180 degrees off normal position. The rabbit may also seem uncoordinated, fall over, shake its head or move in circles.
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Causes
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Causes of vestibular disease may affect the inner ear, the nerve, the brain or a combination of all three. The main cause of this condition is inflammation of the inner ear, to which rabbits are prone. Inflammation may occur from bacterial or fungal infections, toxins or trauma.
Treatment
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If the primary cause is a bacterial infection, a veterinarian may flush the ear; then, a course of antibiotics is administered for as long as a few months, depending on the severity of the problem.
Long-Term Care
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In cases where the rabbit has neurological damage or has trouble with recovery, certain care is necessary. Some rabbits with head tilt will have problems eating, so they will need assistance getting adequate nutrition and remaining hydrated. They will need to be encouraged to exercise in a safe environment to avoid further injury. In cases where a rabbit shows a decline in health, or no improvement, euthanasia may need to be considered.
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References
- Photo Credit rabbit image by Han van Vonno from Fotolia.com
