When to Bring Your Rabbit to the Emergency Vet

Rabbits may be small, but when they’re sick or injured, they need big-time care—fast. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits are prey animals, meaning they instinctively hide signs of illness. By the time a problem is obvious, it’s often an emergency. That’s why knowing what to watch for and acting quickly can make all the difference.

From digestive issues to respiratory infections, rabbits face a range of potential health problems. But some conditions are more urgent than others. Two of the most serious emergencies we see at VEG ER for Pets are head tilt (wry neck) and flystrike. Surprisingly common, both can be life-threatening if left untreated. But with the right care, many bunnies recover well. Let’s take a closer look at these conditions and how to keep your rabbit safe.

Head Tilt in Rabbits: Why Is My Bunny’s Head Twisted?

One moment, your bunny is happily hopping around. Next, you notice their head is tilted to the side. It might even be stuck that way. This isn’t just an odd quirk—it’s a serious condition called head tilt, or wry neck.

Signs of Wry Neck:

• Head tilting at an angle

• Loss of balance, falling over, or rolling uncontrollably

• Rapid, involuntary eye movements known as nystagmus

• Trouble eating or drinking

• Stumbling or inability to hop normally

Head tilt can look scary. Some rabbits roll repeatedly, unable to stop. Others may struggle to stand or seem disoriented, as if the room is spinning. That’s because, to them, it is.

What Causes Head Tilt in Rabbits?

There isn’t just one reason for wry neck. It can be triggered by:

• Ear infections

• Inner ear crystals or stones, similar to vertigo in humans

• Trauma from falling, rough handling, or hitting their head

• Toxins or infections in other parts of the body

Why Fast Treatment for Wry Neck Matters

Rabbits with wry neck often stop eating, and when that happens, their digestive system can shut down. This is called GI stasis, and it’s life-threatening. If your bunny has a head tilt and refuses food, they need an emergency vet for rabbits immediately.

How Vets Treat Wry Neck

At VEG, we provide rabbit urgent care, and your bun will get a full checkup to determine the cause. Treatment might include:

• Gentle manipulation of rabbit’s head to cause the microscopic crystals lodged in the ear canals to move out of place. This will stop the rabbit from experiencing a vertigo-like spinning feeling

• Anti-nausea medication to help with dizziness

• Fluids if they’re dehydrated

• Syringe feeding if they aren’t eating

• Eye lubrication to prevent injury if their head is stuck in a tilt

Some rabbits recover in days or weeks, while others take longer. A few may always have a slight head tilt but most adapt just fine. If head tilt is due to crystals in the canals, your bunny may be better in minutes after head manipulation. 

Flystrike: A Silent but Deadly Rabbit Emergency

Flystrike is a true rabbit emergency that many owners have never heard of until it happens. It’s fast, it’s deadly, and it’s terrifying.

What Is Flystrike?

Flystrike happens when flies lay eggs on a rabbit’s skin, usually around their rear. Within hours, those eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into the flesh. It’s as horrifying as it sounds, and it can be deadly in as little as 24 hours.

Signs of Flystrike:

• Restlessness or sudden lethargy

• A bad smell coming from their fur

• Visible maggots often near the tail or hindquarters

• Loss of appetite

• Signs of pain, like teeth grinding or a hunched posture

If you even suspect flystrike, get your rabbit to a rabbit urgent care, such as VEG ER for Pets. This isn’t something that can wait.

How to Prevent Flystrike

• Keep your rabbit indoors. Flystrike rarely happens to indoor rabbits. 

• Keep your rabbit clean. Flies are drawn to urine and feces, so check their rear daily.

• Watch for obesity or arthritis. Rabbits that can’t groom themselves are at higher risk.

• Use fly deterrents. Keep their living space clean, dry, and free of flies.

• Regular vet checkups. A quick checkup can catch early warning signs before flies do.

VEG ER for Pets provides emergency and urgent care for rabbits!

Other Rabbit Emergencies: 3 Signs of When to Seek Help

Not every rabbit emergency is as obvious as head tilt or flystrike, but knowing the signs can save your bunny’s life. 

Seek an emergency vet for rabbits immediately if your rabbit shows any of these three signs:

1. Digestive Issues: If your rabbit hasn’t eaten for 6+ hours, has no poop or fewer droppings than usual, or shows signs of pain like a bloated belly, hunching, or teeth grinding, it could be GI stasis, a liver torsion, or GIT obstruction—all life-threatening conditions that require immediate treatment.

2. Respiratory Problems: Rabbits have delicate respiratory systems, and infections can escalate quickly. Loud breathing, wheezing, or gasping, along with runny nose, sneezing, or pink eye, are warning signs. If your rabbit is lethargic or breathing with an open mouth, it’s an emergency.

3. Signs of Trauma or Shock: If your rabbit is limp, unresponsive, or showing cold ears, a weak pulse, or pale gums, they could be in shock. A sudden inability to move or stand may indicate internal injuries, poisoning, or a severe illness that needs urgent veterinary care.

Be Prepared for a Rabbit Emergency

No one plans for an emergency, but a little preparation goes a long way.

• Find a VEG emergency veterinarian for rabbits NOW. Not all veterinarians treat rabbits, but at VEG, our team is trained to handle rabbit emergencies.

• Keep a first-aid kit. Include supplies like:

  • Syringes for feeding

  • Wound disinfectant

  • Emergency contact numbers

• Monitor your rabbit daily. Subtle changes in your bunny's behavior can be the first sign of trouble.

See VEG ER for Pets for Rabbit Emergency and Urgent Care

Rabbits are fragile, but they’re also incredibly resilient with the right care. Head tilt and flystrike are two of the scariest conditions rabbit owners face, but acting fast can save your bunny’s life. If you notice signs of wry neck, flystrike, or any other emergency, don’t wait—get them to a veterinarian at VEG ER for Pets immediately. 

VEG has locations all over the country with emergency vets for rabbits available 24 hours to help rabbits get the urgent care they need. Every day should be a good hare day! With the right emergency plan, you’ll be ready to keep your fuzzy friend safe, healthy, and hoppy.