Support…a word that so many people don’t like to ask for. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you as the parent of a rabbit may need it as in the case of when a rabbit suddenly tilts their head. Panic often sets in—for the rabbit, yes, but especially for the humans who love them.
It’s in that uncertain, emotional moment that Marianne steps in—not with hands-on treatment, but with something just as vital: calm, compassionate guidance. From her computer screen, she offers lifelines to overwhelmed rabbit parents around the world, helping them navigate the fear, confusion, and heartbreak that often comes with head tilt. Through video calls, messages, and late-night check-ins, she brings knowledge, reassurance, and a sense of hope into homes that need it most.
When I started the Compassionate Caregiver series in January, I knew the one person who exuded the very definition of compassion is Marianne and since she lends support to so many families through her virtual business, it seemed only fitting to make this month a double feature.
I chose June for a reason that is very near and dear to my heart. My own journey with head tilt began June 19th, 2023 when my sweet bun Winter suddenly tilted. Two years later, I still can’t find the words to describe the experience or my own emotional state. I can honestly say I don’t know if I could have handled it without Marianne.
Caregiver
Before beginning her calling or purpose of helping other bun families, Marianne has been a compassionate caregiver to many of her own rabbits. BuBu, Izzy, Romeo, Mimi and Coco.
Marianne nursed Bubu through age related health issues always being by her side. She passed away at 14 years old in Oct. 2021. That is a true testament to the level of care she received!
June 1, 2012- July 8, 2024
Isabel and Romeo were a bonded pair adopted in 2012. In 2016, at the age of 4, Isabel developed head tilt and was Marianne’s first head tilt/vestibular disease and EC survivor. Marianne attributes everything she knows about EC/head tilt to her. Romeo had chronic EC infection, renal disease, blindness and paralysis.
June 1, 2012- Dec 15, 2023
Mimi and Coco were another bonded pair being rescued alongside Romeo and Izzy. Mimi was the first of the four Marianne adopted in 2012 to cross the rainbow bridge. She was 11 years and 6 months old. Mimi was sweet and shy and the perfect loving companion to Coco who is still giving Marianne much joy.
Marianne’s RCVS Business
Marianne brings a wealth of knowledge about head tilt, vestibular disorder, E. cuniculi and more. “Head tilt is a symptom most commonly caused by E. cuniculi (EC) and middle/inner ear infection. Other causes may include Pasteurella/other bacteria, toxins, brain tumors, abscesses, stroke, or physical trauma. Neurological disorders like vestibular disease, hind-end paralysis, and seizures can also occur.”
“I specialize in supportive care and possess expert-level knowledge and experience of rabbit head tilt and most underlying causes such as E. cuniculi and Ear disease.” – Marianne
Marianne has become well known in social media for her head tilt knowledge and its most common causes especially resulting from E. cuniculi infection. Beyond that she is a “head tilt supportive care coach, an emotional support arm, a case analyst, and a trusted, objective non-veterinary advisor”.
You can expect to receive reliable and evidence-based (where possible) information as well as have all your questions answered. She will offer you hope, when you most need it, especially about the (long) process of rabbit recovery yet at the same time give direct communication without false pretense. But most importantly, she will lend a shoulder to cry on and try to give you peace of mind that you are doing the best you can.
First and foremost, Marianne stresses that all rabbits must be supported by a licensed vet during treatment. She is not a vet, but will give veterinary grade advice tailored to your rabbit’s specific needs and that must be discussed with your vet. For virtual help with your rabbit, Marianne can be contacted through her Instagram links. She also offers support through and is lead admin/moderator and group expert of the Facebook group Help for Head Tilt Hoppers which is a private specialized support group for head tilt and E. cuniculi rabbits only.
Final Thoughts…
Though she may never meet most of the rabbits she helps, Marianne has changed countless lives with the power of her presence, patience, and deep understanding. Her virtual support becomes a bridge between uncertainty and action, despair and comfort. In every conversation, she reminds people that even in crisis, they are not alone—and neither are their rabbits. Healing doesn’t always begin in a clinic. Sometimes, it starts with a voice on the other end of the line, saying, “You’re doing your best. And I’m here to help.”
If you are not already following Rabbit Care Virtual Support on Instagram, I highly urge you too. Marianne has wonderful educational posts especially regarding head tilt. I was unaware of head tilt, vestibular disorders and E cuniculi so when it happened to Winter I was very lost, confused and had a hard time comprehending what the vet was saying. I now know how prudent it is to be well educated about every possible health scenario ahead of time.
