How to Tell If Your Rabbit Has an Ear Infection

Otitis in rabbits is nothing more but the inflammation of the ear. Since the ear can be divided into three parts (external, middle and internal part), this is also how we categorise otitis in rabbits. Let's dive deeper into each one:

• Internal otitis: refers to the inner part of the ear. These infections are a little more difficult to resolve and are very uncomfortable for the rabbit. This is because it's near their eardrum and vestibular system.
• Middle otitis: refers to the inflammation that occurs in the middle area of the ear canal. If not diagnosed in time, this type of infection can cause more serious problems. However, it's less painful than the internal otitis.
• External otitis: this infection occurs in the external part of the ear. Most of the time, it is due to mites in rabbits such as Psoroptes spp or Otodectes spp. If not properly diagnosed, it can worsen into middle and then internal otitis.

In general, long-eared rabbits are usually more prone to ear infections, such as a Lop rabbit. If your rabbit has long ears, it's best you clean their ears as a way to prevent them from getting ear infections in the future.

Ear infections in rabbits will exhibit certain symptoms that can help us recognise if our rabbit is suffering an ear infection. These signs can even help us determine what type of otitis your rabbit has. The common symptoms of an ear infection in rabbits are:

• Excessive scratching of the ear
• Redness
• Inflammation
• Head shake or tilt
• One or both ears are now floppy
• Pain around the ear
• Secretions with bad odors
• Nystagmus (involuntary movement of eyes)
• Lack of appetite
• Ataxia (uncoordination)

If you notice your rabbit experiencing any of these signs, it's best to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of these symptoms, such as nystagmus or ataxia, show us how serious the infection has gotten. However, even for mild symptoms, such as redness or excessive scratching, it's best to contact a professional as soon as possible as these can easily worsen into much serious health issues.

Learn more on our article about how to know when your rabbit is sick.

An ear infection can be caused by many different factors, here are the more common causes of otitis in rabbits:

• Parasites: some skin parasites in rabbits are located on the base of their ears, causing external otitis if the necessary care is not carried out in time. Psoroptes cuniculi is the mite most associated with otitis in rabbits.
• Autoimmune diseases: these diseases can affect any part of our rabbit's body, so their ears are no exception. Although not very frequent, otitis in rabbits may occur due to an autoimmune disease.
• Injury: another cause is when a rabbit is injured near their ears. This will cause inflammation and perhaps an ear infection. It's important to go the veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Allergies: otitis in rabbits can also occur when a rabbit is allergic to a certain medication. Some allergies that affects a rabbit's ears can be caused by ototoxic medications. As usual, when administering a medication to your pet, it's important to carefully follow your veterinarian's instructions and let them know about any other medication your pet is taking or any allergies they may have.
• Bacteria: some bacteria can cause an ear infection in rabbits. The most common is the Pasteurella multocida.
• Fungi: otitis in rabbits may also be caused by fungi. When this is the case, rabbits tend to worsen quickly.

To avoid these issues, make sure to also read our article about vaccinations for rabbits. You can also ask your local veterinarian.

To diagnose otitis in rabbits, the clinical signs must be related to the anamnesis and the complementary examinations. This pathology gives many clues, since its signs are quite characteristic and there are few differential diagnoses that we can include in the study of the patient.

To be completely sure that there is no other condition, as well as to know the cause of the ear infection, the veterinary doctor must carry out the following tests:

• Blood tests
• Skin scraping
• Microbiological control
• CT scan (sometimes)

Sometimes a CT scan is also done as some signs are only visible with neoplasms as they are present in the rabbit's brain.

To treat an ear infection in rabbits your veterinarian will first need to know the cause of the condition. Then, they will be able to choose the correct medication for your rabbit's condition and overall health. These are the most common medications for otitis in rabbits:

• Antibiotics: if the cause is due to bacteria, your veterinarian will choose the right antibiotic for your rabbit.
• Antifungals: if the cause is due to fungi, your veterinarian will prescribe the correct antifungal for your rabbit.
• Glucocorticoids: these help mediate the inflammation. They are often chosen when the cause for the ear infection is due to an autoimmune disease.
• Analgesics: such as carprofen, is used as a painkiller for the painful symptoms your rabbit is experiencing.
• Fluid therapy: this type of medication is used if the rabbit is dehydrated.

Only your veterinarian can diagnose and choose the correct treatment for your rabbit's specific condition. Medicating your rabbit without professional supervision is not advised as it will probably cause more harm than good and, in the worst cases, can lead to your rabbit's death.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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