Head tilt but it's not E Cuniculi - Help!

[dex179]

Hi All

So the physiotherapist came today to see Dexter. Bearing in mind his head and body tilts to the left, the physio said that his neck area is very tense, and that even if she massaged the area it won't get better because of his body/head tilt. She said his muscles are slowly becoming wasted as he's not moving around, and potentially he is in discomfort. I had stopped giving Dexter medicam for the last few days but she recommends continuing with it. She did say that the body massage she gave to him should give him a bit of relief, and recommended a few simple exercises to do.

She said that the physio sessions will simply just give him relief rather than fix any long term problems, but I think I'll just continue it for now if it makes him feel better. She can tell that he's very lethargic, doesn't want to move much and his eyes aren't opening much which she thinks means he's in discomfort.

So I'm just confused right now as I now need to think again about quality of life. Dexter is eating well and his poos are normal, but if he's in pain I'm not sure what the right course of action is. I'm going to try to give him the 10 minute massage I was recommended and see how he feels. I think I need to consider speaking to another set of vets to get a second opinion.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Poor Dexter It sounds as though he is struggling, even though he is still eating. A second opinion from a Rabbit Savvy Vet might help you to decide what the best course of action is now.

This might be useful to take a look at

https://the-pac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Rabbit-Grimace-Poster-HAG299.pdf

 

[dex179]

Poor Dexter It sounds as though he is struggling, even though he is still eating. A second opinion from a Rabbit Savvy Vet might help you to decide what the best course of action is now.

This might be useful to take a look at

https://the-pac.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Rabbit-Grimace-Poster-HAG299.pdf

Thank you @InspectorMorse for sending that guide through. Dexter doesn't score too well from that guide unfortunately although he still has an appetite

I have booked an appointment to get a second opinion on his health. They are a rabbit savvy vets so hopefully they can give more details.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Thank you @InspectorMorse for sending that guide through. Dexter doesn't score too well from that guide unfortunately although he still has an appetite

I have booked an appointment to get a second opinion on his health. They are a rabbit savvy vets so hopefully they can give more details.

You are doing everything possible to try to help Dexter and I am sure that you will continue to do whatever is in his best interests. It is emotionally draining to be caring for a very poorly Rabbit, so remember to look after yourself too x

 

[Orenoko]

Sorry to hear the latest news re Dexter. When I had my tilty bun I also used a physiotherapist, she would massage him and also taught me some of those skills as well as trying to use food to stimulate him to move his head the right way. It's a tough journey dealing with head tilt, I can tell you're doing your absolute best for Dexter and he is clearly very loved!

 

[bunny momma]

You say you stopped Metacam which may explain the discomfort the therapist saw during Dexter's PT session. Allow me to suggest getting him back on Metacam or on another analgesic right away. It is good to hear message is providing him with some relief from stiffness. Sending you and Dex lots of positive vibes.

 

[dex179]

You say you stopped Metacam which may explain the discomfort the therapist saw during Dexter's PT session. Allow me to suggest getting him back on Metacam or on another analgesic right away. It is good to hear message is providing him with some relief from stiffness. Sending you and Dex lots of positive vibes.

Yes as soon as the physio mentioned this I put Dexter back on the metacam. Rabbits are too good at hiding any discomfort unfortunate

thank you for all your well wishes. I might be imagining things but he seems to be able to straighten his head slightly more frequency. I'm trying to book another physio session while trying to do the massages the therapist recommended.

 

[bunny momma]

Yes as soon as the physio mentioned this I put Dexter back on the metacam. Rabbits are too good at hiding any discomfort unfortunate

thank you for all your well wishes. I might be imagining things but he seems to be able to straighten his head slightly more frequency. I'm trying to book another physio session while trying to do the massages the therapist recommended.

Glad he is back on Metacam. It also helps inflammation. I can see why messages could warm and loosen stiff muscles and joints. Sending more vibes.

 

[dex179]

Hi All

I just wanted to send you an update on Dexter

A few weeks back I had an appointment with a rabbit savvy vet. The vet couldn't say why the head tilt occurred. She checked his ears and they were full of wax, and suggested we do an ear flush which remove some discomfort dexter was feeling. Otherwise he was clean, not losing weight and still eating - so she did not think given how is being cared for that he should be put to sleep. However she did say he could go downhill quite fast as he's got a few problems.

He got the ear flush done a week after and in my opinion appears to be slightly more awake. The vet also did an xray on him and could see he has a number of problems - broken teeth roots, a tumour in his chest (apparently quite common), signs of urinary sludge. However she said not worth risking surgery for the urinary sludge.

Alongside this Dexter is having weekly physio sessions. Initially the physio was quite pessimistic about Dexter's condition. However she's now on her third visit and she's seeing improvements in his posture and potentially mobility. However she is seeing a lot of muscle wastage from not moving much. I'll continue with the sessions even if it doesn't lead to any long term improvement, at least he can get some short term relief. She also gave me exercises to do with Dexter which is done daily.

So at the moment I think he's feeling a bit better but head tilt still there and I'm sure it's causing him to be sore. He's obviously not moving much either. The rabbit savvy vet suggested i upped his metacam dosage to twice a day at 0.7ml so should give him some relief

Thanks for all your help and advice! Some pics of Dex with tilt and without tilt

 

[bunny momma]

You are doing an excellent job taking care of Dexter. He looks quite well and is still a very handsome boy. His muscle wastage is not evident in his photos and it is good he still eats enough to retain his weight.
It was good to read the specialist vet was pleased with the care Dex was receiving and supportive of his remaining in your loving care.
Sending you and Dex many positive vibes and my continued support.

 

[InspectorMorse]

Poor lad, you are obviously doing all you can for him. I am sure that you won’t push him on if he becomes too tired to keep fighting. Only you and your trusted Vet are in the position to make a decision about that.