How should rabbit ears be treated for ticks? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp each tick near the skin of the rabbit’s ear and pull straight out, then disinfect the area with a mild antiseptic and apply a veterinarian‑approved topical acaricide such as selamectin. Monitor the animal for irritation or infection and repeat the procedure if additional ticks are found.
How should rabbit ears be treated for ticks? - in detail
When a rabbit’s ear harbors ticks, immediate action prevents secondary infection and reduces parasite load. Begin with a thorough visual inspection, using a bright light and a magnifying lens to locate all attached ticks. Gently separate the fur with a fine-toothed comb to expose hidden specimens.
-
Tick removal – Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the body out in one motion, avoiding squeezing the abdomen. If the mouthparts remain embedded, use a sterile needle to lift them out; do not cut or crush the tick.
-
Site cleaning – After extraction, cleanse the puncture area with a saline solution (0.9 % NaCl) or a diluted chlorhexidine scrub (0.05 %). Pat dry with sterile gauze.
-
Topical antiseptic – Apply a thin layer of a rabbit‑safe antiseptic ointment, such as povidone‑iodine or a lanolin‑based cream containing chlorhexidine, to deter bacterial colonization.
-
Systemic support – Administer an appropriate antiparasitic agent if the infestation is extensive. Recommended options include ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg, subcutaneously, repeat after 7 days) or selamectin (0.2 mg/kg, topical, monthly). Dosage must follow veterinary guidelines.
-
Environmental control – Treat the rabbit’s habitat with an acaricide approved for small mammals (e.g., pyrethrin‑based spray) and replace bedding weekly. Maintain low humidity and regular cleaning to discourage tick development.
-
Monitoring – Re‑examine the ears daily for at least two weeks. Record any signs of inflammation, discharge, or recurring ticks. If lesions persist or systemic illness appears, consult a veterinarian promptly.
Proper handling, prompt removal, antiseptic care, and targeted antiparasitic therapy together ensure effective resolution of ear‑borne tick infestations in rabbits.