How to treat ear mite in a rabbit? - briefly
Administer a veterinarian‑prescribed ear mite medication, such as selamectin or ivermectin, after gently cleaning the ear canal with a mild solution to remove debris. Repeat the treatment according to the label schedule and monitor for resolution, seeking professional care if symptoms persist.
How to treat ear mite in a rabbit? - in detail
Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) are common parasites that cause inflammation, crusting, and secondary infections in the external auditory canal of rabbits. Early identification and prompt therapy are essential to prevent chronic otitis and hearing loss.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection and microscopic examination of ear debris. Typical signs include intense scratching, head shaking, dark brown to black wax, and reddened ear margins. Collect a sample with a sterile cotton swab, place it on a slide, add a drop of mineral oil, and examine under low magnification for the characteristic oval, translucent mites.
Treatment protocol:
- Cleaning – Dilute a veterinary‑approved ear cleanser (e.g., chlorhexidine 0.05 % solution) with sterile saline in a 1:1 ratio. Fill the ear canal with the solution, massage the base of the ear for 30 seconds, then allow the rabbit to shake out excess fluid. Wipe visible debris with a soft gauze pad. Repeat daily for three consecutive days.
- Topical acaricide – Apply a rabbit‑safe medication containing selamectin, ivermectin, or milbemycin oxime. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage, typically 0.2 mg/kg body weight, administered once or repeated after 7 days to cover the mite life cycle. Use a dropper to deliver the exact volume into the canal, avoiding the tympanic membrane.
- Systemic therapy – In severe infestations or when topical agents are contraindicated, inject a subcutaneous dose of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) or milbemycin (0.5 mg/kg). Repeat after 7 days. Monitor for neurotoxic signs, especially in young or debilitated animals.
- Anti‑inflammatory support – Administer a short course of meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg orally once daily for 3–5 days) to reduce pain and swelling. Adjust dosage for renal or hepatic compromise.
Environmental control:
- Clean the rabbit’s housing thoroughly, replace bedding, and disinfect surfaces with a 1 % bleach solution or a veterinary‑approved disinfectant.
- Treat all cohabiting animals, as ear mites are highly contagious among lagomorphs and small mammals.
- Maintain a dry environment; excess humidity promotes mite survival.
Follow‑up:
- Re‑examine the ears 7 days after the initial treatment. Repeat microscopic sampling to confirm eradication.
- Continue weekly ear cleaning for an additional two weeks to remove residual debris and prevent reinfestation.
- Record the treatment dates, dosages, and observations in the animal’s health log for future reference.
Owners should consult a veterinarian before initiating any medication, especially when using systemic ivermectin, due to potential drug interactions and species‑specific sensitivities. Proper adherence to the outlined regimen eliminates the parasite, restores ear health, and minimizes the risk of recurrence.