How can ear mites be combated in rabbits? - briefly
«Topical acaricides such as selamectin or ivermectin, administered per veterinary guidelines, eliminate ear mites and clear the canal.»
«Routine ear examinations and maintaining a clean habitat prevent reinfestation.»
How can ear mites be combated in rabbits? - in detail
Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) infest the external auditory canal of rabbits, causing inflammation, crust formation and secondary bacterial infection. Early detection relies on visual examination of ear debris and microscopic identification of the mite’s oval bodies.
Effective control combines direct acaricidal therapy, thorough ear hygiene, systemic medication and environmental sanitation.
- Topical acaricides: Apply a qualified ear‑drop formulation containing either selamectin, ivermectin or milbemycin oxime according to the manufacturer’s dosage schedule. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched mites.
- Ear cleaning: Prior to each medication, flush the canal with a warm saline solution or a veterinary‑approved ear cleanser. Remove crusts with a soft gauze pad; avoid deep insertion of instruments that could damage the tympanic membrane.
- Systemic treatment: Administer a single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) or an oral dose of milbemycin oxime (0.5 mg/kg) for cases with extensive infestation or when topical agents are insufficient.
- Antibiotics: If bacterial otitis develops, prescribe a broad‑spectrum antibiotic such as enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously, once daily for 7 days) after culture and sensitivity testing.
- Environmental control: Clean cages, bedding and feeding equipment with a diluted bleach solution (1 %). Replace all fabric items that cannot be disinfected. Treat cohabiting rabbits simultaneously to prevent reinfestation.
Monitoring includes weekly otoscopic examinations for at least four weeks post‑treatment. Absence of mite remnants and resolution of ear secretions indicate successful eradication. Continuous prevention entails regular ear checks, routine cleaning and periodic administration of a low‑dose prophylactic acaricide during high‑risk seasons.