The rabbit ear mite, called Psoroptes cuniculi, is common in domestic rabbits. The ear mites, which are easily spread among rabbits and their environment, may infect one or both ears of your rabbit, causing irritation and crusting to occur in the infected ears. This condition can lead to significant discomfort for your rabbit and if it is not treated can lead to secondary infections in its advanced stages. Fortunately, treatment is straightforward and effective.
Ear mites in domestic rabbits cause irritation to the lining of the ear and lead to the formation of thick brown crusts, often called a “canker”.
Infestation of Mites in the Ear Average Cost
From 318 quotes ranging from $100 - $200
Average Cost
$150
A rabbit that has ear mites may or may not show symptoms of infestation and one or both ears may be affected. Symptoms of ear mites in rabbits include the following:
Types
Early stages - In early stages of infestation, the ear mites enter the deeper parts of the rabbit’s external ear canal. At this stage, the mites won’t be visible and you may not realize there is a problem. A veterinarian looking into the ear canals of your rabbit may notice the first crusts which will lead to early diagnosis.
Moderate to advanced stages - If the mite infestation is not diagnosed and treated, it will worsen and the issue will be easily visible. The ear mites will multiply, leading to more crusting and inflammation and extending from your rabbit’s ear canal to its pinna. If left untreated, it may lead to a secondary bacterial infection of your rabbit’s skin or more serious ear infections and deafness.
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Ear mites are very contagious and are spread the following ways:
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When diagnosing ear mites, the veterinarian will first do a visual exam. Depending on the location of the ear mites, this may or may not be enough to confirm the diagnosis. The veterinarian may then use an otoscope to look far down into the ear canals of your rabbit for signs of crusting or to see the actual mites. Another option is to get a sample of the debris from the ear. The veterinarian will then look at the sample under a microscope. Your rabbit’s ears may be painful and the veterinarian and you, as the rabbit’s owner, should be careful when handling them.
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While your rabbit is treated through medication, his environment should also be treated so that your rabbit is not re-infected.
Treating the Rabbit
Avermectins are able to successfully treat ear mites in rabbits. Options include:
Treating the Environment
Rabbit ear mites can live for up to three weeks away from the host animal, therefore it is imperative that your rabbit’s environment be treated to avoid re-infection.
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Treatment is typically effective and unless a secondary infection has developed, the veterinarian may not request a follow-up appointment. Should your rabbit have a secondary infection, additional follow-up and treatment may be required. Once treatment is underway, the medication administered should lead to the crusts falling off on their own or being easy to remove.
The infected rabbit should be moved to temporary quarters while his regular environment is treated.
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Infestation of Mites in the Ear Average Cost
From 318 quotes ranging from $100 - $200
Average Cost
$150
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Max
n/a
1 Year
Moderate severity
7 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
I've noticed scabs and a large clump in his ear. Where do mites come from? I just noticed he had them, Should I remove the canker? I've started using tea tree oil and coconut oil. My other rabbits are in a cage with there mom, That's all i have to add. thank you
May 14, 2018
Max's Owner
7 Recommendations
You should remove any dirt or debris from the ear as gently as possible and use an approved ear mite medication and not tea tree oil as rabbits are sensitive to it. I cannot confirm that what you’re seeing are ear mites so you should have the diagnosis confirmed by your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.dechra.co.uk/therapy-areas/companion-animal/exotics/antiparasitics-antifungals/disease-information/ear-mites-in-rabbits
May 15, 2018
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Rodger
French Lop
1 Year
Mild severity
2 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Hello don't known if you can help but I have too rabbit's both lop rabbit's diagnosed with ear mites and have been to the vets and have been given injections but have now stopped eating and drinking very little, they don't seem to have moved their bowels.
April 12, 2018
Rodger's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Your rabbits may have larger problems than ear mites if they are not eating or drinking, or defecating. Rabbits can quickly develop a stagnant intestinal tract if not moving around and eating, and it would be best to have them rechecked by your veterinarian to try and determine what is wrong.
April 13, 2018
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Infestation of Mites in the Ear Average Cost
From 318 quotes ranging from $100 - $200
Average Cost
$150
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