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Head Tilt in Rabbits and Other Pets
What Is Head Tilt?
Head tilt is when your pet holds its head turned to one side and cannot straighten it. It happens when something disturbs the balance system — the inner ear, the brain, or the nerves that connect them. You may also hear it called wry neck or torticollis.
Head tilt is a sign, not a diagnosis. Several different problems can cause it, so finding the cause is what decides the treatment.
Symptoms To Watch For
Head Held to One Side
The head stays turned or tilted, even when your pet is resting.
Rolling or Circling
Your pet may walk in circles or roll over when trying to move.
Loss of Balance
Stumbling, leaning, or falling to one side.
Flicking Eyes
The eyes may move rapidly from side to side on their own.
Common Causes by Species
The cause of head tilt depends a great deal on the animal.
Rats, Guinea Pigs and Other Rodents
Middle and inner ear infections are a common cause.
About rodents at ExoCareReptiles
May be caused by infection or injury. In snakes, an unusual upward-gazing posture can be a sign of a nervous system problem.
About reptiles at ExoCareHow It's Diagnose
- Physical examination Checking the ears, eyes, posture and nervous system.
- Imaging X-rays can show changes in the ear and skull. Digital X-ray →
- Blood tests To check general health and look for infection. Blood tests →
- Infectious disease testing Including tests for E. cuniculi in rabbits. Some tests may be sent to an outside laboratory. Infectious disease testing →
- Sample testing Examining discharge or cells from the ear. Cytology →
Treatment & Management
Treatment focuses on two things: the cause of the head tilt, and keeping your pet safe and comfortable while their balance recovers.
- Treating the underlying cause, such as an infection, once it has been identified. Consultation →
- Keeping your pet eating. Pets with head tilt can struggle to reach food, and rabbits must keep eating. Assisted feeding →
- Fluid support if your pet is not drinking enough. IV fluid therapy →
- Hospital care for severe cases, where your pet can be monitored closely. Critical care →
- A safe, padded space at home so your pet cannot roll and injure itself.
Recovery varies from pet to pet. Some improve well, while others keep a slight tilt but adapt and live comfortably. We will talk you through what to expect for your pet.
Why Pet Owners Choose ExoCare?
Specialized Expertise
Modern Equipment
Emergency Care
Compassionate Vet
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma assesses head tilt by looking for the cause behind it, from the ear and nervous system to infection, because the right treatment depends on which one it is.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Our main clinic is in Subang Jaya, Selangor. We also operate 7 additional locations across the Klang Valley: USJ, Puchong, Kelana Jaya, Bukit Kiara, Bandar Sunway, Taman Paramount, and Damansara Heights. All locations operate under the same team, standards, and expertise.
Yes, during clinic hours (Mon, Wed-Sun 11 AM-7 PM), we accept emergency cases. Call +60-3-5145 8989 immediately – we’ll triage and fit you in based on urgency.
We’re open Monday, Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We are closed on Tuesdays for clinic maintenance. For emergency cases during our operating hours, please call +60-3-5145 8989 immediately.
You can book online at our booking page, by phone at +60-3-5145 8989, by email, or by walk-in (subject to availability). We recommend booking in advance.
We accept credit card (Visa, Mastercard), debit card, bank transfer, and cash. Payment plans are available for major procedures – ask our staff.
Yes. All our veterinarians are registered with the Malaysia Veterinary Council (MVC) and trained in avian and exotic animal medicine. Our lead veterinarian, Dr. Asma Fariha, holds MVC Registration #3362.
A sudden head tilt should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, especially if your pet is rolling, falling or not eating.
We do not recommend waiting. Early examination helps us find the cause sooner, and rabbits in particular can become unwell quickly if they stop eating.
Many rabbits improve with treatment and supportive care. Some keep a slight tilt but adapt well and continue to live comfortably.
Head tilt in rabbits is often caused by an ear infection or a parasite called E. cuniculi. A vet examination is needed to find the actual cause.
Keep your pet in a small, padded and quiet space so it cannot roll and hurt itself. Make sure food and water are easy to reach, and follow the care plan from your vet.
Yes. Head tilt can affect many species, and the cause differs between them, so each case needs a proper examination.
E. cuniculi is a parasite that most often affects rabbits. Please speak to us about testing and precautions if you have more than one rabbit or other pets at home.