strange behaviour in a 3 week old kit--blind?

[Tiny Buns]

We are new here and very very new to raising rabbits. I wish my first topic was more upbeat.

About a week ago, a breeder gave us a cross breed rabbit and her 6 kits.

Today, I think something is wrong with one of the kits. It acts like it's blind but it's eyes seem normal--not cloudy. It's super lethargic and when you watch it's eyes, they scan left to right and snap back, left to right snap back, like a dog watching cars on a freeway. And it's got this weird parkinson's like tremble to it's head. All the other kits are exploring and bouncy and this one really looks like it can't see anything--even when I put my hand in front of it's face. Has anyone seen this before? Is this contagious to my other rabbits? <br /><br /> -- Mon Aug 17, 2015 3:55 pm -- <br /><br /> or wry neck?

 

[MaggieJ]

Very hard to say what the problem is. Have you spoken to the breeder? Not to complain, just to ask if he has any ideas about it.

If these rabbits are intended for meat, I would probably euthanize that kit rather than possibly putting the others at risk. Not a pleasant prospect, I know, but it is what many of us would do.

Are the kits still nursing? If they are eating solids well and drinking water, you could try isolating the kit and taking a wait and see approach. Barbi Brown's website has excellent information about wry neck, but I don't know if this could be the problem or not.

https://barbibrownsbunnies.com/wryneck/

 

[Tiny Buns]

Breeder thinks wry neck and to cull

They are just meant as pet rabbits. My herd are purebreds and this mom and kits are crosses so just pet shop stock.

Kits are nursing but every other one is hopping around trying out different things and this one can't leave the nest box. Barely moves, didn't seem to notice my hand moving in front of it's face.

 

[DBA]

By chance is it a REW?

 

[Dood]

Or Himalayan or Vienna/blue eyed white

 

[Tiny Buns]

Black 3/4 Netherland 1/4 lop. Doe is tri color 1/2 Netherland 1/2 lop. Buck purebred Netherland not sure of color. I was given the doe and kits because the breeder didn't want them. (That's the shortest version)

Only possible thing I can think of is a few days back, mom hopped in the next box twice within five minutes, hard enough to make the kits squeak like dog toy. Maybe she injured one?

 

[ladysown]

I don't think based on symptoms as wry neck..

Thinking genetic issue, disease or injury.

Culling would probably be in it's own best interest.

 

[Tiny Buns]

Yes that's unfortunately the conclusion we've come to.

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

lethargic, probably laying out at odd position, not seeing it move or eat, eyes erratic, head trembling.
sounds like its dying. unfortunately something I've seen and had to do.

 

[Tiny Buns]

Well that was exceptionally hard even though it was necessary and the most humane way to deal with the situation. Still feel sick about having to put the little sweetie down.

 

[TF3]

I'm sorry
I had to euthanize a 2.5 week old Holland Lop kit a week or two ago and I felt like a monster , even though the kit was not viable.
Enjoy the other cuties and know you did what needed to be done.

 

[Zass]

I'm sorry that happened too, but I feel you did the right thing for the suffering one.
Euthanizing kits is probably the hardest thing a rabbit breeder ever has to do.