Ear mites invade a rabbit's ears, they are also known as canker, are highly contagious and can be very painful and distressing to the rabbit...
Description
Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) can invade a rabbit's ears causing irritation and eventually resulting in a brownish crust inside the ears. This condition is also known as canker and can be very painful and distressing to the rabbit.
Ear mites are highly contagious and can be spread on hay and other bedding.
Symptoms
- rabbit frequently scratches inside ears with back foot
- rabbit frequently shakes head and ears
- scaly crust inside one or both ears
Prevention / Treatment
Ear mites can be treated by your vet with injections of ivermectin, antibiotics or both. Anti-inflammatory and pain relief drugs are sometimes also necessary.
In severe cases the rabbit will need to be hospitalised to allow veterinary staff to soften and then remove the crusts inside the ears.
Check inside your rabbit's ears regularly for signs of any redness or irritation and maintain a clean living environment.
