How to treat rabbits for ear mites? - briefly
Clean the affected ears with a veterinarian‑approved otic solution and apply a topical acaricide according to the prescribed schedule. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days and maintain a clean, dry environment to prevent recurrence.
How to treat rabbits for ear mites? - in detail
Ear mite infestations in rabbits require prompt identification and a systematic treatment plan. The parasites, most commonly Psoroptes cuniculi, inhabit the external auditory canal, causing inflammation, crust formation, and potential secondary infections.
First, confirm the presence of mites by examining the ear canal with an otoscope or a dissecting microscope. Look for dark, moving organisms, ear wax mixed with blood, or thick crusts. Collect a sample on a glass slide for microscopic confirmation if needed.
Once diagnosis is established, proceed with the following steps:
- Mechanical cleaning: Gently flush the ear with a warm saline solution or a veterinarian‑approved ear cleanser. Use a soft gauze to remove debris, avoiding deep insertion that could damage the tympanic membrane.
- Topical acaricide application: Apply a licensed ear mite medication directly into the canal. Common products include:
- Selamectin (0.5 mg/kg) – a single dose applied topically to the skin, which also reaches the ear.
- Ivermectin (0.2–0.4 mg/kg) – administered as a dropwise ear preparation or subcutaneous injection, following the label’s dosage interval.
- Propoxur or carbaryl sprays – used sparingly under veterinary guidance due to toxicity risks.
- Systemic therapy: In severe cases, oral ivermectin or milbemycin oxime can be given to ensure elimination of mites that have migrated beyond the ear canal.
- Repeat dosing: Most acaricides require a second application 7–10 days after the first to kill newly hatched mites. Follow the product’s schedule precisely.
- Environmental decontamination: Wash bedding, cages, and accessories with hot water (≥60 °C) and a disinfectant effective against arthropods. Treat all cohabiting animals, as cross‑infection is common.
- Monitoring: Re‑examine the ears weekly for at least three weeks. Absence of live mites, reduced crusting, and normal ear tone indicate successful treatment.
If clinical signs persist after two treatment cycles, reassess the diagnosis, consider secondary bacterial infection, and consult a veterinarian for culture and sensitivity testing. Adjust therapy based on lab results to avoid antimicrobial resistance.
Preventive measures include routine ear inspections during monthly health checks, maintaining clean housing, and applying a low‑dose acaricide prophylactically in multi‑rabbit environments as recommended by a veterinary professional.