🐰 The Vet’s Guide to Rabbit Neck & Back Pain in 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – experienced veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder. Neck and back pain in rabbits often stems from trauma, neurological diseases like E. cuniculi, or spinal degeneration. This guide covers causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, rehab, prevention & integrating support like Ask A Vet tele‑consults, Woopf enrichment tools, and Purrz joint supplements.

🔍 Understanding the Anatomy & Risks

Rabbits have delicate spines and powerful hind legs—an unfortunate combo that leads to frequent neck/back injuries :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Neck pain may also result from ear/vestibular disorders presenting as torticollis (head tilt) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🚨 Common Causes Explained

• Trauma: falls, improper handling, aggression—leading to fractures or spinal injury :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Spinal degenerative disease: arthritis, spondylosis, IVDD—especially in older or large breeds :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Neurological disorders: E. cuniculi infection may cause hind-limb weakness, torticollis, ataxia :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Ear infections & head tilt: otitis media/interna irritates vestibular system, causing neck pain :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Tumors, abscesses, CVA: can press on spinal cord, causing pain or paralysis :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🩺 Recognizing the Symptoms

• Change in gait—shuffling or hesitating hops, ataxia :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Reluctance to be handled; tense or hunched posture :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Torticollis (head tilt) ± nystagmus :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Decreased appetite or grooming; pain signs (teeth grinding) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Urinary/fecal incontinence, self-mutilation, hind-limb weakness :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🔬 Diagnostic Workflow

1. History & exam: explore trauma, vaccination, environmental hazards.
2. Neurologic evaluation: reflexes, gait, posture, muscle tone.
3. Imaging: X-rays for vertebral changes or fractures; CT/MRI for detailed evaluation :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
4. Blood & titres: CBC, biochemistry, E. cuniculi serology :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
5. Ear & urine culture: to diagnose otitis, E. cuniculi ± antibiotic susceptibility :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
6. CSF or biopsy: if abscess/neoplasia suspected during advanced diagnostics.

💊 Treatment Strategies

1. Trauma & Fracture Management

• Emergency stabilization: cage rest, pain relief (NSAIDs like meloxicam, opioids) :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Surgical intervention for fractures or abscesses if needed.
• Physiotherapy and passive range-of-motion under vet guidance during recovery.

2. Spine Degeneration & Disc Disease

• Long-term NSAIDs ± physical therapy.
• Weight management and supportive environment (non-slip flooring, soft bedding).

3. E. cuniculi Treatment

• Fenbendazole course to combat parasite :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Supportive: NSAIDs, physiotherapy, hydration.

4. Ear Infections & Torticollis

• Systemic & ear medications guided by culture :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Surgical treatment in severe otitis interna.

5. Tumors & Abscesses

• Surgical removal when possible.
• Adjunctive antibiotics, corticosteroids, or oncology if needed.

🏡 Rehabilitation & Supportive Care

• Strict cage rest (6–8 weeks), padded bedding to ease pressure :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Gentle handling and environmental enrichment—avoid wire flooring.
• Physiotherapy exercises: assisted hopping, joint massages, therapeutic play.
• Pain management ongoing; monitor appetite, grooming, weight.
• Supplements like glucosamine or MSM from Purrz may help joint recovery.

🤝 Integrating Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

• Ask A Vet: Tele‑consults for diagnosis review, medication regimes, and rehab check-ins.
• Woopf: Mobility aids—non-slip mats, cushioned resting spaces—and calming toys for gentle activity.
• Purrz: Vet-formulated joint support and pain relief supplements to complement veterinary care.

📈 Case Studies

“Pippin” – Spinal Fracture from fall

2‑yr rabbit fell from 4 ft. Diagnosis via X-ray confirmed vertebral fracture. Managed with cage rest, meloxicam, assisted exercise for 8 weeks. Full mobility restored; regained grooming and energy. Ongoing joint support given.

“Twizzle” – Severe head tilt from E. cuniculi

4‑yr lop with head tilt and hind-limb weakness. Started fenbendazole + physiotherapy. Over 6 weeks, tilt improved and mobility returned. Head amblyopia remained slightly but quality of life fully restored.

“Bella” – Otitis interna causing torticollis

5‑yr dwarf with head tilt, nystagmus. Culture grew Pasteurella; treated with targeted antibiotics. Tilt resolved in 3 weeks with supplementation and vestibular rehab.

⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Care

• Sudden paralysis or severe ataxia
• Pain signs: constant grinding, unwillingness to move
• Head tilt with cessation of eating, rolling, inability to drink

These signs may indicate severe spinal injury, abscess, or vestibular crisis—urgent veterinary attention is critical.

✅ Key Take‑Home Points

• Neck/back pain in rabbits is serious—prompt diagnosis and treatment essential.
• Causes range from trauma, degeneration, E. cuniculi, ear infections to tumors.
• Effective care blends stabilization, diagnostics, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Cage environment, gentle handling, and structured physio are vital to recovery.
• Ongoing monitoring, supplements, and Ask A Vet support ensure long-term quality of life.

Thank you for trusting Ask A Vet for your rabbit’s musculoskeletal care. With proactive management and multidisciplinary support in 2025, most bunnies recover to lead comfortable lives. Download our Ask A Vet app now for live assistance and personalized rehab guidance! 🐇❤️