Ear mite in a rabbit: how should it be treated? - briefly
Treat ear mites in rabbits with a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide (e.g., selamectin or ivermectin) applied after cleaning the ear canal, and repeat the dose according to the vet’s schedule. Maintain strict hygiene and monitor for recurrence.
Ear mite in a rabbit: how should it be treated? - in detail
Ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are common parasites that inhabit the external auditory canal of rabbits, causing irritation, inflammation, and secondary infections. Early identification relies on visual inspection of ear debris for dark, crab‑like organisms and a microscopic examination of a sample obtained with a cotton swab. Signs include frequent head shaking, scratching, and a foul odor.
Treatment begins with thorough cleaning of each ear. Warm saline or a veterinary‑approved ear cleanser should be applied to soften crusts, followed by gentle removal of debris with a cotton tip. After cleaning, a topical acaricide is administered directly into the canal. Recommended products include:
- Selamectin (topical spot‑on, 0.2 mg/kg) – applied once, repeat after 14 days.
- Moxidectin (topical, 0.2 mg/kg) – single dose, with a second application at two weeks if mites persist.
- Ivermectin (0.5 mg/kg, subcutaneous) – used when topical agents are contraindicated; repeat after 7–10 days.
Dosage must be calculated precisely based on the rabbit’s weight; overdosing can cause neurotoxicity. In cases of severe inflammation, a short course of systemic anti‑inflammatory medication (e.g., meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg orally once daily for 3–5 days) may be added to reduce swelling and pain.
Environmental control prevents reinfestation. All bedding, cages, and grooming tools should be washed in hot water (>60 °C) and dried thoroughly. Household surfaces can be treated with a diluted pyrethrin spray, ensuring the rabbit is removed from the area for the recommended exposure period. Contact between infected and healthy rabbits must be avoided until the treatment regimen is completed.
Follow‑up examinations are essential. A second ear swab should be taken 14 days after the initial therapy to confirm eradication. If mites are still detected, repeat the chosen acaricide and reassess the cleaning protocol. Persistent cases may require a combination of topical and systemic treatments or referral to a specialist for possible resistance testing.
Prophylactic measures include routine ear inspections during monthly health checks and the occasional preventive topical acaricide applied according to the veterinarian’s schedule, especially in multi‑rabbit households.