These infections of the ear typically start as outer ear infections, that are untreated and progress into something bigger. There are possible long term costs for not treating these infections promptly once they are found. Some of the symptoms that are caused by these ear infections can mimic other underlying conditions. You may notice your rabbit scratching or rubbing his ear, tilting his head on the side of the infected ear.
Otitis media and interna are infections of the middle and inner ear. These infections, if left untreated, can have long standing consequences for your rabbit.
Otitis Media or Interna Average Cost
From 456 quotes ranging from $100 - $500
Average Cost
$200
Symptoms may vary if there are any at all in your rabbit.
Types
There are both middle ear and inner ear infections. Both begin as an outer ear infection that moves further into your rabbit’s ear.
Media
Interna
Top
There are several causes of otitis media and interna. Some of the causes include allergy, autoimmune, endocrine, glandular disorders, immune-mediated, fungal, parasites and diseases of an abnormal ear.
Top
If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from middle or inner ear infections, it will be necessary to bring him to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will want to know what symptoms you have noticed and if there have been any obvious changes that could explain his new symptoms.
A physical examination will need to be done in order to identify any symptoms your rabbit is experiencing such as pain, discharge from his ears, crusting of his ears, or matted fur. Once this is complete, a more in-depth exam of his ears may be necessary. Due to the pain your rabbit may be in at this point, sedation will most likely be necessary to complete this part of the exam.
MRIs, CT scans or other imaging tests may be necessary to determine any further damage to your rabbit’s ears, brain, nerves and more. Lastly, samples may be taken from your rabbit via blood or of the discharge from his ears to identify the underlying cause of his ear infections.
Top
Treatment will be dependent on the underlying cause of your rabbit’s ear infection. To treat his immediate infection, antibiotics will most likely be prescribed. These antibiotics will be administered for at least 30 days and up to 6 months or longer. Treatment may be lifelong to keep his symptoms at bay.
If there are other issues such as a yeast infection or parasites, those will be treated as well. Surgery may be necessary to clean out any debris from his ears. This includes draining abscesses and surgery to relieve ongoing pain issues your rabbit may be experiencing, and total removal of his ear canal may be necessary. Treatment can also involve steroids to treat head tilts as well.
There may be long term hearing loss and damage due to these infections. However, your rabbit can continue to live a quality life with proper care. Medication management may be life long and it is possible for the infections to come back if maintenance of his ears is not maintained.
Top
Follow up appointments will be necessary to ensure your rabbit’s ears are remaining clear and clean and that all signs of infection are gone. Ongoing upkeep of his ears will also be very important. This will involve learning how to properly care for your rabbit’s ears and how to clean them without causing him pain or discomfort.
Proper ear cleaning is done 1 to 2 times a week and they should be kept dry and have ventilation. Prognosis is good if the symptoms are caught and treated early on, however, there can be lifelong issues including hearing loss and neurological discrepancies.
Your rabbit can live a quality life despite hearing loss or neurological concerns. Provided with a comforting environment, he will do well. Learning how to properly care for his hygiene will also benefit him and you.
Top
Otitis Media or Interna Average Cost
From 456 quotes ranging from $100 - $500
Average Cost
$200
Top
Tic Tac
Lop
2 Years
Moderate severity
1 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
A friend borrowed my lop doe to get a litter. One week before she was due, she began to exhibit head tilt and rolling. Her eyes were doing the classic constant back and forth flicking I have seen in rabbits with E. Cuniculi several times, so I told her to treat the doe with Fenbendazole. the doe began to improve right away. After the first week of treatment, the doe gave birth to 3 kits. The delivery made the doe start rolling again. She did stop rolling after delivery was done, but her head tilt has gotten worse and has not improved in the last 2 weeks. She's been on the fenbendazole for nearly 3 weeks. I don't understand why the doe is not recovering. Could there be something else going on as well? My friend started treatment within 24 hours of onset. I am amazed the doe isn't getting better. Any ideas? Thank you!
Jan. 12, 2018
Tic Tac's Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without examining TicTac, I can't comment on what might be going on with her, but the stress of being pregnant and having kits may have exacerbated an underlying infection or condition with a strain on her immune system. She may have an inner ear infection, or a resistant E. Cuniculi infection. She should be seen by your veterinarian to rule out any underlying problems and get treatment for her problem, as they can see her and examine her. I hope that she is okay.
Jan. 12, 2018
Was this experience helpful?
Bun bun
Holland Lop
3 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My mini lop has always been the very sweetest rabbit. He was always energetic and affectionate, people that know him compare him to a dog. He has never had any health problems and was very strong and healthy. I always made sure to feed him a balanced diet and exercise every day. But about a week ago he seemed a little off, he wasn’t eating much and he seemed a little spacy. I didn’t think anything of it at first, as his mood is sometimes a little grumpy, but the next day I approached his cage with some food and for some pets. But he did not greet me. Upon further notice I saw he had constant nystagmus and after he noticed me he began falling all around his cage. I immediately took him to the vet extremely worried. The vet described him medication and I meal replacement sort of mixture. He has been on medication for about a week now, and has begun eating again. His awareness is slowly getting better but his mood is irritable and unless I am petting him he does not want to be bothered. He fights his medication now and it puts him in a very bad mood. He is still pretty inactive and can only move very short distances without getting disoriented. I have been keeping his cage very clean and removed all items that might be unsafe with his mobility. His improvement was rapid after first administering medication, but now seems to be going slower and I fear he might get worse. What can I do to help him? Should I be cleaning his ears? Or are there any dietary suggestions that might be beneficial to him? I would really love some advice.
Otitis Media or Interna Average Cost
From 456 quotes ranging from $100 - $500
Average Cost
$200
Learn more in the Wag! app
43k+ reviews
Install
About Wag!
© 2022 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2022 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security