The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptescuniculi, likes to live in rabbit's ears.The saliva and feces produced by this mite can make rabbits scratch their ears and cause self-injury.Infections can spread to the body and cause inflammation and hair loss if they are not treated.It is important for rabbit owners to be aware of the signs of an ear mite infection and seek veterinary attention if it is suspected.
Step 1: Look for the first signs of an illness.
The signs of a fresh infection are all about irritation.The ear canal is affected by the mite's saliva and feces.The rabbit scratched at the ear to make it bleed.The blood provides food for the mites and encourages them to breed.Irritation is one of the symptoms of a new infections.One or both ears may be affected.The rabbit may feel depressed due to the irritation and lose interest in what's going on around it.It might lose interest in eating.The rabbit may scratch its ears with its back legs or paws.
Step 2: The physical symptoms of a more established infections should be looked out for.
The symptoms are more extreme and need to be treated as soon as possible.Wax build up in the ear is an indication of a severe infection.As the infection progresses the wax may be a tan or coffee color.It plugs up the ear canal when a lot of wax is produced.The wax may stain paws if the rabbit rubs it at its ears.The ear is filled with flaky debris, which can be seen around the base of the ear.Ear infections can occur when your rabbit has ear mite.If your rabbit has a discharge from the ear, you can tell it's happening.The mites are spread by scratching and rubbing with its paws.The outside of the ears, head, shoulders, and hind paws are affected by the crusting.Hair loss is caused by scratching.
Step 3: Pay attention to the behavioral symptoms.
Your rabbit may act differently because of the infection.It may be uncomfortable to have its head or ears touched.The rabbit may be dull.Sick rabbits tend to stay in one place and not move.
Step 4: If you have a rabbit, keep it away from other rabbits and clean it.
The mites can survive outside of a rabbit for a couple of weeks.Direct contact between rabbits is not necessary.
Step 5: Take your rabbit to the doctor.
Take your rabbit to see a vet if you suspect it has ear mites.Tell the person scheduling the appointments what your rabbit's issues are by calling your vet.You will be given an appointment to bring the rabbit in.
Step 6: Take the diagnosis to the vet.
The rabbit will be examined by a vet.The rabbit's immune system may be weakened due to other health issues, making it more vulnerable to mite infections.Both issues need to be treated in order for the rabbit to fight off the ear mites.The vet looks at the ears.A piece of crust can be put on a microscope slide if there is crusting.If there are no flakes, the vet can take a piece of clear tape and put it against the ear to try to catch the mites.The vet uses a microscope to identify the mite.If the ear canal isn't blocked by debris, the vet will look into it.Sometimes a glimpse of the mites can be seen as bright white blobs that move away from the light.The physical changes in the rabbit's ear can be used to diagnose ear mites in rabbits.
Step 7: Follow your doctor's advice for treatment.
An ivermectin-based drop is applied to the back of the neck once per week by the vet for a course of treatment.Antibiotics will most likely be used to treat any secondary infections.The scales should not be moved.If you want to make your rabbit more comfortable, apply mineral oil with a cotton swab.Hopefully this will eliminate the rabbit's pain so that the scabs can be removed naturally.