Rabbits have ear ticks: how to treat? - briefly
Use fine tweezers to grasp each tick at the base and pull steadily, then clean the ear canal with saline and apply a veterinarian‑approved topical acaricide. Monitor the rabbit for inflammation and repeat the procedure if any ticks persist.
Rabbits have ear ticks: how to treat? - in detail
Ear ticks in rabbits are small, blood‑feeding arachnids that attach to the ear canal and surrounding skin. Infestations cause irritation, inflammation, and possible secondary infections. Early detection relies on visual inspection of the ear’s interior and surrounding fur for dark, moving specks, crusty debris, or excessive scratching.
Treatment proceeds in three stages: removal, medication, and after‑care.
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Physical removal
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Pharmacological control
- Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide, such as a topical fipronil or selamectin formulation, according to the label’s dosage for the animal’s weight.
- For severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe oral ivermectin or a systemic milbemycin oxime, administered at the recommended interval (typically a single dose followed by a repeat after 14 days).
- Avoid off‑label use of human products; they may be toxic to lagomorphs.
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Supportive care
- Monitor the ears daily for residual signs of irritation or new ticks.
- Keep the rabbit’s environment clean: wash bedding, sanitize cages, and control ambient humidity to discourage tick survival.
- Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and E to support skin health and immune function.
Prevention hinges on regular ear examinations, especially during seasonal peaks when tick activity rises. Maintaining a tick‑free habitat—by treating surrounding areas with pet‑safe acaricides and limiting outdoor exposure to tick‑infested vegetation—reduces reinfestation risk. If any doubt remains about the severity of the infestation, consult a veterinarian promptly to prevent complications such as otitis externa or systemic illness.