ear mites in rabbits

Re: ear mites in rabbits

Lorna McHardy — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:13:43 GMT

[quote user="Charlotte Marshall"]

I have done that in the past but I have been surprised at how much less debris there is when they come for their second panomec. So now I don't tend to clean them much as they are often very sore underneath. Mind you it has been a while since I have seen one.

[/quote]

I agree, but have found that simply removing the irritating mites seems to give pretty much instant relief, despite the soreness underneath... maybe it's coincidence. It's certainly anecdote! My impression is that they're happier faster with cleaning, ivermectin, and pain control (despite the raw appearance straight after cleaning) than with pain control and ivermectin alone.

Mark?

P.S. now that you mention it, it's a long time since I've seen a really bad one as well. Maybe people are looking after their rabbits better :0))))

Re: ear mites in rabbits

Charlotte Marshall — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:45:29 GMT

Re: ear mites in rabbits

Lorna McHardy — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:45:26 GMT

If it's really bad - those ones with the immense crusting and flaking - I'll GA and clean them up (carefully, but as thoroughly as possible), on the basis that you remove huge numbers of mites simply by shifting their living space. Then lots of analgesia and usually antibiotics, and ivermectin.

Re: ear mites in rabbits

Mark Rowland — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:42:36 GMT

Yep, if there is lots of debris, some gentle cleaning is required, as may be some antibacterial drugs if there are any open wounds

Re: ear mites in rabbits

HMC — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:39:45 GMT

...applied topically, not systemically. I should have made that clear.

Re: ear mites in rabbits

HMC — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:38:55 GMT

I seem to remember recommending an oil (olive?) to soften the hard wax, which is otherwise painful for them.

Re: ear mites in rabbits

Mark Rowland — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:54:09 GMT

Ivermectin injections and analgesia, most topical ear preparations contain steroids which I don't like to use in rabbits due to their immunosuppressive effects ( even if given topically).