Ear mites in rabbits

Ear mites in rabbits (Psoroptes cuniculi) are a common problem faced by many owners. These tiny parasites are highly contagious and spread quickly. 

A rabbit can pick up ear mites from a new animal purchased, for example, from a pet store or other household where such a problem exists. At an early stage of infection, you are unlikely to identify an ear mite without laboratory tests, in addition, the infection may be localized at the beginning in one ear and have no pronounced symptoms. 

However, the signs of an ear mite infestation will become quite obvious after a while. 

Changes in the behavior of the rabbit will be a danger signal. First of all, it is shaking the HEAD and ears, scratching the ears and muzzle, depression, less food intake, weight loss.

Ear mites pierce the skin at the base of the hair and use bell-shaped suckers to feed on the host's lymphatic fluid. The mucus and feces of the mites cause an inflammatory reaction leading to severe itching, irritation of the ear canal, and the formation of brown crusts, scabs, or gray, scaly pieces of skin attached to the inside of the pinna. Under the crust, the skin will be hairless and weepy. External scabs can be seen at the base of the ears, which usually droop.

Treatment should be started immediately, as consequences include concomitant bacterial infections, deafness.

The ear mite is sometimes confused with the fur mite (Cheyletiella parasitovorax), because it also causes severe itching, but unlike the ear mite, it parasitizes on the body, and not in the ears. When infected with a fur mite, the rabbit combs its body, bald spots appear, small white flakes resembling dandruff can be seen on the fur, so the fur mite has the unflattering nickname "walking dandruff". Meadow hay is often a source of fur mites, so if you find this parasite, you need to change hay supplier and destroy the old one. 

In cases with both ticks, there is an effective medical treatment prescribed by a veterinarian. 

Oral, injectable, or skin-absorbed antiparasitic drugs are available for the treatment of ear (and fur) mites. 

Oral preparations of ivermectin for rabbits are often available as a solution, paste, or tablet. Here the owner will need a certain skill. To give oral medication to a rabbit, wrap it in a towel or blanket to restrict movement and make it easier to administer the medication . Fixing the animal, the medicine is injected into the mouth, after which the mouth should be kept closed for a few seconds - make sure that the medicine is swallowed and does not leak out with saliva. After administration of the medication, monitor your pet closely for any adverse reactions. Depending on the severity of the parasitic infestation, it may be necessary to inject the drug several times over several weeks. It is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions and make sure you inject the correct dosage each time.

In topical treatment, antiparasitic drugs are applied directly to infected areas in the form of drops, powders or oils. 

Injections are generally preferred over the methods mentioned because they require fewer repeat doses and give better results with ease of use. 

Ticks in rabbits are treated with avermectin preparations, including ivermectin and selamectin, as well as moxidectin. The injections are repeated for two weeks. 

It is worth noting that the insecticide selamectin was originally intended for cats and dogs, and then received approval for rabbits starting at 8 weeks of age. Therefore, it is important to use the correct dose and composition. For example, the selamectin preparation for dogs is not suitable for rabbits due to the higher concentration. Always seek a prescription from your veterinarian. The veterinarian may also recommend antibiotics and pain medication, depending on the severity of the infection in the rabbit's ears.

When infected with an ear mite, it is not necessary to tear off the crusts and scabs, this is very painful for the animal. With proper treatment, the scab will begin to fall off on its own within about ten days of starting the procedures, and the rabbit will recover within a month.

Be sure to place the rabbit in a quarantine box or playpen, the bedding should be disposed of, and the cage thoroughly disinfected. Some cages, especially those made of porous wood, are difficult to clear of mites that have burrowed into the wood. It may be easier and safer to replace the cage. 

Ask your veterinarian about a rabbit-safe insecticide that can be applied to the cage and area to kill any remaining mites.