Mary Allen
Infections (otitis media/internal), parasite infestation (ear mange), and fungal infestation in and on the rabbit ear
Rabbit ears are relatively large and have a wide opening, making them susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, they should be thoroughly examined at every health check. Infections and parasitic infestations are common, and this should be considered especially when Encephalitozoon cuniculi is suspected.
Symptoms
Symptoms of infection:
Head tilt, balance disorders, changed the position of the ears, head shaking, increased ear cleaning, increased formation of secretions in the ear, ear injuries, signs of pain and restlessness (throbbing, reduced food intake, puffed up sitting).
Symptoms of a parasite infestation:
Tilted head, flaky, scaly skin changes in and on the ear, shaking the head, cleaning the ears more often, restlessness, scratch marks on the ears and on the head.
Symptoms of a fungal infestation:
Tilted head, whitish scaly skin changes in and on the ear, a typical yeast odor can be detected in yeast infections.
Differential diagnoses:
Head injuries (sprains, skull fractures, etc.), injuries to the skin and tissue (e.g. from bites), encephalitozoon cuniculi. Since the symptoms of infections, parasitic infestations, and encephalitozoon cuniculi are very similar, a very precise anamnesis and a careful diagnosis by a veterinarian are absolutely necessary! A swab of the ear secretion can provide certainty as to whether parasites, fungi or bacteria are causing the infection. If Encephalitozoon Cuniculi is suspected, an additional immunofluorescence test should be performed.
Self-treatment without clarifying the exact causes can lead to the death of the rabbit!
Treatment:
Do not use any ointments in the ear, these stick together the inner ears and can lead to complete blockage of the ear!
Parasite treatment:
Ear cleaning, then treatment like normal parasite infestation.
Fungal treatment:
Surolan is usually prescribed by the vet for the treatment of fungal infestation on the ear, Panolog is also suitable. In the case of yeast infestation, Mycorylen or OtiVet is often used. Important: The treatment must be carried out for at least 3 weeks, even if the external symptoms have subsided, this is the only way to completely eliminate the fungal spores. If there is no improvement in sight after a week of treatment, or if the fungal infestation is progressing, you will find further treatment tips here: Fungal infestation in rabbits
Treatment of infections:
In the case of minor infections, it is often sufficient to treat them with antibiotic eye drops (Thilocanfol, Floxal Fuciderm). Treatment with Surolan, Panolog is also possible and makes sense in the case of simultaneous fungal infestation. In the case of more severe infections, various antibiotics are administered (e.g. marbofloxacin, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin are possible); a previous smear test can be useful here in order to find out exactly which bacteria play a role in the infection and then to treat them specifically.
Cleaning the ears
If the ears are completely blocked or if there is a lot of secretion, the ears should be cleaned by a veterinarian. He will rinse the ears with special preparations and, if necessary, clean them thoroughly with spatulas. The subsequent daily care until the problem has completely subsided can be taken over by the owner himself.
When cleaning the ears, care must be taken to avoid damaging the inner ear. In order to remove solid secretions/blockages in the ear, ear cleaners are placed in the ear in the form of drops (e.g. EpiSqualan, Epi-Otic, Otifree, or another ear cleaner that is offered specifically for animals and does not contain alcohol). Dissolved secretions are carefully removed with cosmetic tissue. Only the outer auditory canal may be cleaned with cotton swabs – under no circumstances should the cotton swabs be used to wipe the inner ear, the risk of the ear being completely clogged with secretions or of injuring the inner ear is too great! Incrustations on the ear are carefully removed with chamomile tea, cleansing balm (e.g. Oribalm), or simply with warm water. After drying, the drops or ointments prescribed by the doctor are then applied.
How do you treat an ear infection in a rabbit?
Your vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat bacterial ear infections and, if your bunnies show any signs of discomfort, they may also recommend anti-inflammatories. In the case of inner- or middle-ear infections, X-rays may sometimes be necessary to check for pus build-up.
Can rabbits recover from ear infections?
Although middle and inner ear infections reportedly have a poor cure rate, I know many cases of success in getting rabbits through this illness. The “secret” is long term antibiotics, frequently a minimum of 30 days.
How long do rabbit ear infections last?
Treatment of Inflammation of the Middle and Inner Ear in Rabbits. Your veterinarian will likely use the results from the culture and sensitivity test to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment for your pet. Your pet will be given a course of antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks or 2 weeks after full recovery.
How do I clear my rabbit’s ears?
Moisten the rag with lukewarm water, and make sure that it’s not actually sopping wet. When it makes contact with your rabbit’s ear, you don’t want water to stream off of it as this could make its way into an ear canal. Once the rag is moist, gently wipe off the dirt from the ear, and lightly pat dry with a new rag.
What does a rabbit ear infection look like?
If your rabbit has an ear infection, you may see the following symptoms: scratching at the ears, discharge/fluid or waxy debris in the ear canals, holding the affected ear down, head tilt, and, in severe cases of otitis, rabbits may experience loss of balance, dizziness, falling or rolling to one side (torticollis).
Can I put olive oil in my rabbit’s ear?
Can I put coconut oil on my rabbit’s ears?
Treatment: It is very easy to naturally treat an ear mite infestation. I use coconut oil with just a couple drops of tea tree oil. You can use many different oils including olive oil, mineral oil, and vegetable oil.
Is coconut oil safe for rabbits?
Bruce Fife, ND, CN, “Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, rabbits, birds, and even farm animals such as chickens, horses, cows, pigs, and goats will readily eat coconut if given the opportunity. They recognize it as a nourishing food.
Should I clean my bunny’s ears?
Due to the complex structure of a rabbit’s ear, owners must regularly clean their rabbit’s ears for them. Not doing so can result in inflammation and infection of the ear. Ear wax itself is produced by glands in the skin, and its purpose is to protect the inner ear against foreign materials.
What happens if ear infection is untreated?
Untreated infections or infections that don’t respond well to treatment can spread to nearby tissues. Infection of the mastoid, the bony protrusion behind the ear, is called mastoiditis. This infection can result in damage to the bone and the formation of pus-filled cysts.
What causes inner ear infections in rabbits?
Otitis media and otitis interna are conditions in which there is inflammation of the middle and inner ear canals (respectively) in rabbits. It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from the external ear cavity into the inner ear.