An ear canker is one of the most common ear infections your rabbit can get.The infections can cause itching and sores in the ears.Ear mites can destroy the rabbit's ear drum and inner ear, leading to problems with balance and abacterial secondary infections.Ear mites can easily be transmitted between rabbits.It is possible to prevent ear mite infections from starting in the first place if you are proactive.
Step 1: Make sure your rabbit's ears are clean.
Remove any debris with a soft cloth.A few drops of an ear cleaner that is safe for cats can be added.You don't want the cleaner or oil to get into your rabbit's ear.Do not use cotton swabs to clean your rabbit's ears.These can cause injury to your rabbit's ear drum.If you want to clean the rabbit's ears, use a cloth or cotton ball.
Step 2: You should keep your rabbit away from other rabbits.
Keep your bunny away from other rabbits.It's important to keep it out of areas where rabbits might be frequenting.Allow your rabbit in areas that are known to be mite free.If you have more than one rabbit with the same disease, you need to keep the one that is sick in isolation until the problem is solved.If you have one rabbit that is sick, the other rabbits will also be sick.
Step 3: A small amount of oil should be applied to your rabbit's ears.
You can put 3-4 drops of baby oil in the rabbit's ear to smother any stray mites that you can't see.If a stray mite gets into your rabbit's ear, this will help to prevent a full blown infections.Ear mites are parasites and can be found in the ears.It is ideal if you can stop them before they start reproducing.
Step 4: You should keep an eye out for the symptoms of an illness.
You should know what to look for just in case because the goal is to avoid seeing these signs.There are other signs of ear mites in rabbits, including the thick, brown crust that lines the inside of the ears.Itching around the ears, head and neck Head shaking Ear pain, swelling, or redness Ears fall down Weight loss Unsteadiness or falling over is a sign of an inner ear infection
Step 5: You should check your rabbit's ears frequently.
Make sure to check your rabbit's ears every week to make sure they are free of ear mite infections.The best way to deal with ear mites is to prevent your rabbit from getting them.
Step 6: The rabbit's ears have a crust in them.
Ear canker is caused by a build up of fluid and brown crust in the ear tissue as ear mites feed.The build up can be very painful for the rabbit, so don't attempt to remove it.Once the mites are killed, the crust will come off on its own.
Step 7: Take your rabbit to the vet.
If you see signs of an ear mite, you should get your rabbit checked out by a vet.The vet will take a close look at the rabbit's ears and assess its overall health.Ear mites can be easily diagnosed by looking in the ears and taking a sample from the ear.If you have an ear mite in a rabbit, it's a good idea to consult with your vet for advice on how to treat it.
Step 8: Follow the advice of your doctor.
The ear mite is treated with drugs.Ivermectin injections are done every two weeks for three to four times.The skin at the base of the neck is where the miticides are applied.
Step 9: If you have any secondary infections, be sure to treat them as well.
If the rabbit has an ear mite it will need to be treated with antibiotics.Your doctor will prescribe medication as needed.The mites can cause an otitis externa if they travel further into the ear.The internal ear infections can be very serious and can extend further down the ear.As long as your rabbit is receiving the antibiotics, apply them.It is possible to limit the effectiveness of the medicine by using it too short of a time.
Step 10: All items used by rabbits need to be cleaned.
Hutches and any other plastic, wire or wood box that a rabbit has used will need to be cleaned and disinfected.Next, remove all bedding, toys, feeders, and waters.Throw away anything that can't be cleaned, such as cardboard boxes.You should wash everything with warm water and soap.For a few weeks, you should use this solution daily.You will need to sweep or vacuum every day for a month if you want to keep the rabbit free of the disease.Cleaning the ears will remove the living mites from the crusts and scabs.All items that your rabbit comes into contact with should be replaced.
Step 11: You should keep an eye on the recovery.
The blisters should come off on their own after 10 days of treatment.If the condition doesn't seem to be getting better, you should take your rabbit to the vet for further treatment.If the infection has not cleared up, your doctor may recommend a return visit.The vet will probably do a physical examination and check for any remaining ear mites.