How do you treat ear mites in rabbits? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide (e.g., selamectin, ivermectin, or a milbemycin formulation) directly into the ear canal after cleaning out debris, then follow the recommended dosing schedule. Repeat the treatment as instructed and watch for reduction of inflammation and mite elimination.
How do you treat ear mites in rabbits? - in detail
Ear mite infestations in rabbits require prompt veterinary assessment and a structured therapeutic plan. The parasites, typically Psoroptes cuniculi or Otodectes cynotis, inhabit the external auditory canal, causing inflammation, crusting, and secondary infections if left untreated.
Diagnostic confirmation
- Visual inspection of ear canal with otoscope; look for dark, moving mites, cerumen, and erythema.
- Cytological smear of ear debris stained with Wright‑Giemsa to identify mites or eggs.
- Culture of ear swab if bacterial superinfection is suspected.
Pharmacological intervention
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Topical acaricides
Ivermectin (0.5 % solution) applied directly into the ear canal once daily for three consecutive days.
Selamectin (0.8 % spot‑on) administered on the back of the neck; repeat after 14 days.
Moxidectin (0.5 % solution) used similarly to ivermectin, with a single dose often sufficient. -
Systemic therapy
Oral ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, repeated after 7 days, for cases where topical treatment is impractical or lesions are extensive. -
Adjunctive care
- Antibacterial ear drops (e.g., enrofloxacin 0.3 % solution) if bacterial otitis is present.
- Anti‑inflammatory agents such as meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, subcutaneous) to reduce pain and swelling.
Supportive measures
- Clean ear canal gently with a cotton ball soaked in warm saline before each medication application; avoid deep insertion to prevent trauma.
- Maintain a dry environment; excess moisture promotes mite survival.
- Isolate affected rabbit from other animals for at least two weeks to prevent transmission.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine ears 7 days after the initial treatment course; confirm mite elimination via otoscopic inspection and cytology.
- Conduct a second treatment cycle if live mites are still observed.
- Schedule a final check at 30 days to ensure complete resolution and to monitor for recurrence.
Prevention
- Regular ear cleaning during routine health checks.
- Quarantine new rabbits for a minimum of 30 days and treat prophylactically with a topical acaricide if any signs appear.
- Maintain cleanliness of housing, bedding, and feeding equipment to reduce environmental contamination.
Implementing this protocol eliminates ear mite populations, alleviates discomfort, and minimizes the risk of chronic otitis in rabbits.