How to treat a rabbit's ears for mites? - briefly
Clean the ear canal with a vet‑approved ear cleanser, then apply a topical acaricide such as selamectin or ivermectin at the recommended dose, repeating the treatment after 7–10 days to interrupt the mite life cycle.
How to treat a rabbit's ears for mites? - in detail
Ear mite infestations in rabbits require prompt identification and a systematic treatment plan. The parasite most often involved is Psoroptes cuniculi, which colonizes the external auditory canal and surrounding skin. Clinical signs include intense scratching, head shaking, crusty debris, and inflammation of the ear canal. Confirm the diagnosis by visual inspection of the ear canal and microscopic examination of collected debris for characteristic mites.
Begin treatment by cleaning each ear thoroughly. Use a warm, damp cotton ball or soft gauze to remove wax, crusts, and debris. Follow with a gentle rinse of the canal using a saline solution (0.9 % NaCl) to reduce irritation and facilitate medication penetration. Avoid inserting objects deep into the canal; work only at the entrance.
Select an appropriate acaricide. Commonly used options include:
- Ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously, repeat after 7 days).
- Selamectin (topical, 0.2 mg/kg applied to the back of the neck, repeat after 14 days).
- Moxidectin (0.2 mg/kg oral or subcutaneous, repeat after 7 days).
Administer the chosen drug according to the veterinarian’s dosage guidelines. Record the date of each dose and monitor for adverse reactions such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or neurological signs.
Supportive care enhances recovery:
- Apply a mild anti‑inflammatory ointment (e.g., hydrocortisone 1 % cream) to the external ear once daily for 5 days to reduce swelling.
- Provide a high‑fiber diet rich in hay to promote gut health, which can aid systemic mite clearance.
- Maintain a clean living environment: wash bedding weekly, disinfect cages with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite), and limit contact with other infected animals.
Repeat the acaricide treatment according to the product’s schedule, usually two to three applications, to ensure eradication of all life stages. After the final dose, perform a follow‑up otoscopic examination and collect canal debris for microscopic analysis. Absence of mites confirms successful treatment.
Prevent recurrence by:
- Quarantining new rabbits for at least 30 days and conducting ear examinations before integration.
- Regularly inspecting ear canals during routine health checks.
- Using prophylactic topical selamectin every 4 weeks in high‑risk environments.
Adhering to this protocol eliminates ear mites, alleviates discomfort, and restores normal ear function in affected rabbits.