Rabbit Otitis Media: Symptoms and Pathological Changes

Otitis media in rabbits is subtle early on; a head tilt, or torticollis, is the main clinical sign, sometimes with lethargy, difficulty drinking and weight loss. Early on the eardrum and tympanic wall redden or rupture, and severe cases progress to purulent meningoencephalitis. The main pathogen is Pasteurella multocida.

Prevention and Treatment of Rabbit Otitis Media

Rabbit otitis media, often called wry-neck disease, is usually caused by Pasteurella multocida and can be fatal if left untreated. The earliest sign is a head tilted to one side; as it progresses the rabbit may roll, lose balance and eventually die. Prompt, cause-specific treatment and good hutch sanitation are the keys to prevention.