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Teddy's head tilt journey

@zoobec that's where my bed is from, hopefully I'll adjust!

With Teddy I don't really understand why he started having teeth problems. He's had his tilt since December last year and only started having dental issues in August, so I don't know what happened to start it. The vet suggested that he might favour one side because one side of his face is partially paralysed, but it's been like that since he became tilty so I just don't know. Wish I could ask him, he's a bit of a medical mystery!

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They used to do a 90 day money back guarantee so if you don’t get on with it in that time they take it back and refund you. I don’t know if they still do that?

So we've had all sorts of fun and games with Teddy this week as some of you may know. He came through his dental absolutely fine but has had a relapse of his tilt. I asked the vet to take x rays of his head and they've been sent off to a specialist. In the meantime we had to stick with baytril and metacam following the dental but he was losing his balance and falling over more and more, so we stopped the metacam and yesterday he had a short acting steroid injection. He's slightly better, but I could hear him grinding his teeth again this morning so back to the vet we went for a painkiller injection. I've been given some emeprid in case his gut slows down, he is drowsy but I was warned that might happen. On the plus side he hasn't fallen over since we got back so at least he gets a chance to have a decent rest.

Unfortunately I'm away from tomorrow afternoon so his timing couldn't be worse! He's being looked after by a pet sitter who is very good but I'm just worried about him. His steroid should wear off by Monday so he can have metacam if he needs it, we've got emeprid if he needs that too. Just keeping everything crossed that he perks up overnight.

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Sending lots more vibes for him xx
 
So we've had all sorts of fun and games with Teddy this week as some of you may know. He came through his dental absolutely fine but has had a relapse of his tilt. I asked the vet to take x rays of his head and they've been sent off to a specialist. In the meantime we had to stick with baytril and metacam following the dental but he was losing his balance and falling over more and more, so we stopped the metacam and yesterday he had a short acting steroid injection. He's slightly better, but I could hear him grinding his teeth again this morning so back to the vet we went for a painkiller injection. I've been given some emeprid in case his gut slows down, he is drowsy but I was warned that might happen. On the plus side he hasn't fallen over since we got back so at least he gets a chance to have a decent rest.

Unfortunately I'm away from tomorrow afternoon so his timing couldn't be worse! He's being looked after by a pet sitter who is very good but I'm just worried about him. His steroid should wear off by Monday so he can have metacam if he needs it, we've got emeprid if he needs that too. Just keeping everything crossed that he perks up overnight.

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What a worry :cry: I really hope he rallies again xx
 
So we've had all sorts of fun and games with Teddy this week as some of you may know. He came through his dental absolutely fine but has had a relapse of his tilt. I asked the vet to take x rays of his head and they've been sent off to a specialist. In the meantime we had to stick with baytril and metacam following the dental but he was losing his balance and falling over more and more, so we stopped the metacam and yesterday he had a short acting steroid injection. He's slightly better, but I could hear him grinding his teeth again this morning so back to the vet we went for a painkiller injection. I've been given some emeprid in case his gut slows down, he is drowsy but I was warned that might happen. On the plus side he hasn't fallen over since we got back so at least he gets a chance to have a decent rest.

Unfortunately I'm away from tomorrow afternoon so his timing couldn't be worse! He's being looked after by a pet sitter who is very good but I'm just worried about him. His steroid should wear off by Monday so he can have metacam if he needs it, we've got emeprid if he needs that too. Just keeping everything crossed that he perks up overnight.

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Sorry to hear about this, what a worry!

Sending loads of vibes for Teddy x
 
Thanks everyone! He's still sleepy but I'm interrupting him every hour or so with a few nuggets just to make sure he's got his appetite. He seems happy enough just a bit dozy bless him.

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I’m sorry to hear this. I hope mark can help you with it all. I hope it’s good news from the specialist. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Sending get well better vibes and nose bumps from harlequin and Beauty for Teddy.
 
Possible concerns...

Barely seems like a day passes at the moment without me having concerns for Teddy :( when I got back from visiting family for Christmas, he was just as bad as ever, having periods where it was like he couldn't stop falling over. We had a scheduled appointment for Thursday so I took him down and explained everything. Due to an emergency at my local vet, I had to see a new vet who's never met him before, although the other vet had briefed her. In general she said he was cleaner than a lot of 'normal' male rabbits, his coat is in great condition, and he was really curious and wanted to explore while he was there. Brilliant I thought! I did ask about the longer-acting steroid that he's had previously as this has historically been the only thing that's helped him to get back on his feet so to speak. The vet didn't want to give him a steroid until we have heard from the specialist, but said to continue with the baytril and metacam if he seems in any pain. She felt that he just needed time, which I know is the case with a lot of tilty buns given the reams of info I've read over the past year about head tilt!

Yesterday it seemed like he was doing quite well, falling over a bit less and generally really quite chirpy, running around the house in the evening which he hasn't done for a while. Today is another story. He's falling over much more, although he's still running around the house, eating, drinking, pooing etc. He's also stopped using the litter tray and is peeing on the carpet again, something he hasn't done for months. I just feel like we're taking one step forward and two steps back.

I don't know whether to take him to the rescue centre vet again (unfortunately they're closed now until Monday) or just wait it out and see how he gets on. He does seem happy in himself, which is great, and apart from his repeated falling over and rolling you wouldn't know there was much wrong with him as he just goes about his business like a normal bun (as I type he's actually just done a pee in his litter tray, which is positive and makes me sound like I'm talking nonsense!). I feel like if I take him to the rescue centre vet they'll give him the steroid as they have done before. I know it's not a long-term fix at all but I just feel so sorry for him with all this falling over. He's not sploofing at the moment so I don't think he feels able to truly relax which leads me to think there must be an element of discomfort there for him. On the other hand, if the short-acting steroid didn't work there may be no guarantee that the longer-acting one will - I don't know the differences between the two or their names unfortunately, all I know is one lasts about 48 hours and one lasts about 7 days. Someone with more knowledge than me may be able to tell the difference (if there is any!).

Last time he had a relapse, he had one steroid injection and he was okay for a few months until this new flareup. I just wonder whether for him this might be a better option given surgery is very invasive and has no guarantee of working. I know steroids aren't good for rabbits long-term, and whenever we next visit the vet I will ask about other options, but I don't know how keen they will be to try something like penicillin injections given what they've advised thus far. It's just very frustrating at the moment! Am I just worrying too much or do we have nothing to lose by trying the steroid while we wait for the specialist?
 
I'm sorry I can't advise as I have no experience of tilty buns, but sending lots of vibes for Teddy. I think you are also part of the Facebook group for Head tilt rabbits? If so, you might get lots of views there about your situation. Sending lots of hugs. I know it must be very distressing.
 
I'm sorry I can't advise as I have no experience of tilty buns, but sending lots of vibes for Teddy. I think you are also part of the Facebook group for Head tilt rabbits? If so, you might get lots of views there about your situation. Sending lots of hugs. I know it must be very distressing.
Thanks Omi, I am a member of that group but must be honest, I don't use fb much. Under the circumstances it might be an idea to get some opinions. Sometimes I think the head tilt bothers me more than it does Teddy lol.

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Barely seems like a day passes at the moment without me having concerns for Teddy :( when I got back from visiting family for Christmas, he was just as bad as ever, having periods where it was like he couldn't stop falling over. We had a scheduled appointment for Thursday so I took him down and explained everything. Due to an emergency at my local vet, I had to see a new vet who's never met him before, although the other vet had briefed her. In general she said he was cleaner than a lot of 'normal' male rabbits, his coat is in great condition, and he was really curious and wanted to explore while he was there. Brilliant I thought! I did ask about the longer-acting steroid that he's had previously as this has historically been the only thing that's helped him to get back on his feet so to speak. The vet didn't want to give him a steroid until we have heard from the specialist, but said to continue with the baytril and metacam if he seems in any pain. She felt that he just needed time, which I know is the case with a lot of tilty buns given the reams of info I've read over the past year about head tilt!

Yesterday it seemed like he was doing quite well, falling over a bit less and generally really quite chirpy, running around the house in the evening which he hasn't done for a while. Today is another story. He's falling over much more, although he's still running around the house, eating, drinking, pooing etc. He's also stopped using the litter tray and is peeing on the carpet again, something he hasn't done for months. I just feel like we're taking one step forward and two steps back.

I don't know whether to take him to the rescue centre vet again (unfortunately they're closed now until Monday) or just wait it out and see how he gets on. He does seem happy in himself, which is great, and apart from his repeated falling over and rolling you wouldn't know there was much wrong with him as he just goes about his business like a normal bun (as I type he's actually just done a pee in his litter tray, which is positive and makes me sound like I'm talking nonsense!). I feel like if I take him to the rescue centre vet they'll give him the steroid as they have done before. I know it's not a long-term fix at all but I just feel so sorry for him with all this falling over. He's not sploofing at the moment so I don't think he feels able to truly relax which leads me to think there must be an element of discomfort there for him. On the other hand, if the short-acting steroid didn't work there may be no guarantee that the longer-acting one will - I don't know the differences between the two or their names unfortunately, all I know is one lasts about 48 hours and one lasts about 7 days. Someone with more knowledge than me may be able to tell the difference (if there is any!).

Last time he had a relapse, he had one steroid injection and he was okay for a few months until this new flareup. I just wonder whether for him this might be a better option given surgery is very invasive and has no guarantee of working. I know steroids aren't good for rabbits long-term, and whenever we next visit the vet I will ask about other options, but I don't know how keen they will be to try something like penicillin injections given what they've advised thus far. It's just very frustrating at the moment! Am I just worrying too much or do we have nothing to lose by trying the steroid while we wait for the specialist?

Personally I would wait to hear from the specialist. If his problems are related to active infection giving a steroid is very likely to make the infection worse. As you probably know, Rabbits are very sensitive to corticosteroids and their potential to have a negative impact on the immune system. The last thing a Rabbit fighting an active bacterial infection needs is further strain on their immune system.

Whilst his falling and rolling is distressing to witness, your description of his overall demeanor makes me think that the episodes are not bothering him as much as they are you.

Has he ever been prescribed cyclizine, meclizine or procloperazine ? These drugs all have an effect on the central nervous system (CNS) and can be beneficial in some cases of vestibular disease in Rabbits, reducing the frequency/severity of the falling/rolling episodes.

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Chem/ChComplex/Cyclizine.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Chem/ChComplex/Meclizine.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00Chem/ChComplex/Procloperazine.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Miscellaneous/HeadTiltVestibularRabbit.htm
 
Barely seems like a day passes at the moment without me having concerns for Teddy :( when I got back from visiting family for Christmas, he was just as bad as ever, having periods where it was like he couldn't stop falling over. We had a scheduled appointment for Thursday so I took him down and explained everything. Due to an emergency at my local vet, I had to see a new vet who's never met him before, although the other vet had briefed her. In general she said he was cleaner than a lot of 'normal' male rabbits, his coat is in great condition, and he was really curious and wanted to explore while he was there. Brilliant I thought! I did ask about the longer-acting steroid that he's had previously as this has historically been the only thing that's helped him to get back on his feet so to speak. The vet didn't want to give him a steroid until we have heard from the specialist, but said to continue with the baytril and metacam if he seems in any pain. She felt that he just needed time, which I know is the case with a lot of tilty buns given the reams of info I've read over the past year about head tilt!

Yesterday it seemed like he was doing quite well, falling over a bit less and generally really quite chirpy, running around the house in the evening which he hasn't done for a while. Today is another story. He's falling over much more, although he's still running around the house, eating, drinking, pooing etc. He's also stopped using the litter tray and is peeing on the carpet again, something he hasn't done for months. I just feel like we're taking one step forward and two steps back.

I don't know whether to take him to the rescue centre vet again (unfortunately they're closed now until Monday) or just wait it out and see how he gets on. He does seem happy in himself, which is great, and apart from his repeated falling over and rolling you wouldn't know there was much wrong with him as he just goes about his business like a normal bun (as I type he's actually just done a pee in his litter tray, which is positive and makes me sound like I'm talking nonsense!). I feel like if I take him to the rescue centre vet they'll give him the steroid as they have done before. I know it's not a long-term fix at all but I just feel so sorry for him with all this falling over. He's not sploofing at the moment so I don't think he feels able to truly relax which leads me to think there must be an element of discomfort there for him. On the other hand, if the short-acting steroid didn't work there may be no guarantee that the longer-acting one will - I don't know the differences between the two or their names unfortunately, all I know is one lasts about 48 hours and one lasts about 7 days. Someone with more knowledge than me may be able to tell the difference (if there is any!).

Last time he had a relapse, he had one steroid injection and he was okay for a few months until this new flareup. I just wonder whether for him this might be a better option given surgery is very invasive and has no guarantee of working. I know steroids aren't good for rabbits long-term, and whenever we next visit the vet I will ask about other options, but I don't know how keen they will be to try something like penicillin injections given what they've advised thus far. It's just very frustrating at the moment! Am I just worrying too much or do we have nothing to lose by trying the steroid while we wait for the specialist?


How long will it be until you expect to hear back from the specialist?
I do think it might be an idea to wait, if it's not going to be masses of time... ?

And also, he seems to be coping rather well from your post above. I am sure you are right, that it probably bothers you more than him. In my experience of looking after tilty buns, they can be happy chappies, but we have to see them from the outside and it looks distressing.

Sending hugs. This is a difficult and stressful time for you x
 
Thank you Jacks-Jane and MightyMax, I honestly think it's me that needs the reassurance more than him! He's actually had a little sploof today as if to prove me wrong bless him.

I've got some meclizine for him, I crush it up and hide it in a handful of porridge oats, although he didn't have any over Christmas while I was away.

I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait to hear from the specialist, I know with Christmas these things can take a bit longer, but I'll chase them on Monday, they said they can refer to a different specialist if it takes too long.

Thanks again everyone for your knowledge and reassurance!

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Thank you Jacks-Jane and MightyMax, I honestly think it's me that needs the reassurance more than him! He's actually had a little sploof today as if to prove me wrong bless him.

I've got some meclizine for him, I crush it up and hide it in a handful of porridge oats, although he didn't have any over Christmas while I was away.

I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait to hear from the specialist, I know with Christmas these things can take a bit longer, but I'll chase them on Monday, they said they can refer to a different specialist if it takes too long.

Thanks again everyone for your knowledge and reassurance!

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((((((((( bigs hugs )))))))))

There's some interesting info on Meclizine here:

https://rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

The use of anti-nausea drugs is controversial, as there is no clear evidence that rabbits experience feelings of nausea. They have a different physiology than humans in that they physically do not have the capacity to vomit, so we do not know if motion sickness plays a role in rabbits with vestibular disease, and there is no substantiated evidence that the use of anti-nausea drugs helps improve the condition of rabbits with head tilt. Although there is probably no harm (although this has not been examined, either), these drugs are probably not necessary and it might be best to avoid too many pharmaceuticals given to the rabbit at one time. Some veterinarians feel anti-nausea drugs, like diphenhydramine or meclizine, are useful in the rolling rabbit or one who is not eating.
 
Thank you Jacks-Jane and MightyMax, I honestly think it's me that needs the reassurance more than him! He's actually had a little sploof today as if to prove me wrong bless him.

I've got some meclizine for him, I crush it up and hide it in a handful of porridge oats, although he didn't have any over Christmas while I was away.

I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait to hear from the specialist, I know with Christmas these things can take a bit longer, but I'll chase them on Monday, they said they can refer to a different specialist if it takes too long.

Thanks again everyone for your knowledge and reassurance!

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Hopefully Teddy will remain relatively OK within himself. All you have said about how he's coping makes me think he is just getting on with it all. With a bit of luck there will be some feedback from the Specialist by the end of next week.

Interesting that his falling/rolling appears to have become more of an issue again after not having meclizine. Maybe for him it was helping. I'd run that question by the Vet on Monday too xx
 
Thank you Jacks-Jane and MightyMax, I honestly think it's me that needs the reassurance more than him! He's actually had a little sploof today as if to prove me wrong bless him.

I've got some meclizine for him, I crush it up and hide it in a handful of porridge oats, although he didn't have any over Christmas while I was away.

I'm not sure how long I'll have to wait to hear from the specialist, I know with Christmas these things can take a bit longer, but I'll chase them on Monday, they said they can refer to a different specialist if it takes too long.

Thanks again everyone for your knowledge and reassurance!

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Just re-read that bit - yes, that's really helpful if they can do that!

Teddy wants to have a Happy New Year too :D
 
So a little update on my boy! Finally heard from a specialist that isn't too far away, they think Teddy would be a good candidate for surgery to flush out his bullae. He'd need to have a consultation and an MRI so it's not confirmed yet but apparently this is something the specialist does relatively regularly and I also looked up the reviews for the practice which are really positive.

Although there's potential for improvement the prospect of this surgery just fills me with dread. It sounds like a major procedure and I'm such a worrier, but I don't think there's an alternative. The rolling is getting slightly worse when it does happen and is a bit more 'violent' and I think it's only a matter of time before Teddy hurts himself, so I'm going to try and get as much information as I can before I see the specialist and just take it from there.

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So a little update on my boy! Finally heard from a specialist that isn't too far away, they think Teddy would be a good candidate for surgery to flush out his bullae. He'd need to have a consultation and an MRI so it's not confirmed yet but apparently this is something the specialist does relatively regularly and I also looked up the reviews for the practice which are really positive.

Although there's potential for improvement the prospect of this surgery just fills me with dread. It sounds like a major procedure and I'm such a worrier, but I don't think there's an alternative. The rolling is getting slightly worse when it does happen and is a bit more 'violent' and I think it's only a matter of time before Teddy hurts himself, so I'm going to try and get as much information as I can before I see the specialist and just take it from there.

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I'm glad you've got some good support. That's terribly important at a time like this for you and Teddy.

I was looking up some useful info on your behalf and came across these, which may help a bit?

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/me...bbit-surgery-course/2-eye-and-ear-surgery.pdf

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00...v_TechniquesRabbit/Bulla_osteotomy_Rabbit.htm

I also have a copyright protected document which I could email you, but I don't want to scare you with too much info.

But I appreciate you want to be well prepared when and if the time comes for Teddy's surgery.

Sending vibes and hugs x
 
I'm glad you've got some good support. That's terribly important at a time like this for you and Teddy.

I was looking up some useful info on your behalf and came across these, which may help a bit?

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/me...bbit-surgery-course/2-eye-and-ear-surgery.pdf

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00...v_TechniquesRabbit/Bulla_osteotomy_Rabbit.htm

I also have a copyright protected document which I could email you, but I don't want to scare you with too much info.

But I appreciate you want to be well prepared when and if the time comes for Teddy's surgery.

Sending vibes and hugs x
Hi thank you for the links! Funnily enough I'd just read the FHB one! I'll send you a message with my email address if that's okay.

I do just want to be prepared - I always said I wouldn't put him through anything major when he first got ill because I thought his prognosis was so poor, but he's just excelled and exceeded all expectations that he deserves that chance to be as normal as he can be! But at the same time, if there is a non-surgical option I'd obviously rather try that.

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Hi thank you for the links! Funnily enough I'd just read the FHB one! I'll send you a message with my email address if that's okay.

I do just want to be prepared - I always said I wouldn't put him through anything major when he first got ill because I thought his prognosis was so poor, but he's just excelled and exceeded all expectations that he deserves that chance to be as normal as he can be! But at the same time, if there is a non-surgical option I'd obviously rather try that.

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I've emailed you :)

I think with rabbits you really have to be guided by the patient. I have learned that some rabbits don't want to be 'saved' whilst others will undergo procedures and bounce back. He will make it clear I am sure when 'enough is enough'.

Let me know if there's any other way I can help you prepare x
 
I've emailed you :)

I think with rabbits you really have to be guided by the patient. I have learned that some rabbits don't want to be 'saved' whilst others will undergo procedures and bounce back. He will make it clear I am sure when 'enough is enough'.

Let me know if there's any other way I can help you prepare x
This is a really good way of looking at it. He's a little fighter and he seems so unphased by anything life throws at him. Wish I was more like him [emoji23] thank you for the email too, really appreciate it [emoji846]

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I've emailed you :)

I think with rabbits you really have to be guided by the patient. I have learned that some rabbits don't want to be 'saved' whilst others will undergo procedures and bounce back. He will make it clear I am sure when 'enough is enough'.

Let me know if there's any other way I can help you prepare x

i am strictly amateur but i think Max has nailed it.

reading his history, my personal opinion would be that the procedure is worth the risk. he's had such a journey & is only getting older, so anything that has a reasonable chance of success is worth trying. looking at his pic he looks a dear boy.
tbh the main thing that would worry me is if the worst happened with Henry that Lilac would be OK & prepare for that situation.
 
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