Rabbit Ear Mites and Otoacariasis

Ear mites cause intensely uncomfortable ear infections in rabbits and are highly contagious, requiring prompt treatment of all affected animals.

Key Facts

Psoroptes cuniculi is the ear mite species affecting rabbits, causing the most common rabbit ear disease
It causes intense irritation leading to head shaking, scratching at ears, and thick dark crust accumulation
Severe untreated infestations extend beyond the ear to face, neck, and body
Treatment with ivermectin (injectable or topical) or selamectin spot-on is highly effective
All rabbits in contact with an affected animal should be treated simultaneously
Ear mite infestation is painful and distressing but rapidly treatable with appropriate medication

Welfare Considerations

Ear mites cause intense, relentless discomfort from the irritation of mite feeding activity within the ear canal. Affected rabbits shake their heads continuously, scratch vigorously at their ears, and accumulate painful crusts that are itchy, inflamed, and prone to secondary infection. In severe cases, the infection extends across the face and body, causing generalized skin disease. Despite being completely curable with a single treatment in mild cases, ear mites in pet rabbits often go untreated for months because owners either do not recognize the signs or believe that ears 'just look like that.' Veterinary recognition and owner education are the main barriers to prompt treatment.

What You Can Do

Examine rabbit ears regularly for dark crust accumulation, redness, or discharge
Seek veterinary treatment promptly for any rabbit showing ear discomfort or head shaking
Do not attempt to clean out mite crust before treatment - it is painful and can cause injury
Treat all rabbits in the household simultaneously to prevent re-infection
Use veterinarian-prescribed treatments (ivermectin, selamectin) - over-the-counter products are often ineffective
Follow up with a post-treatment ear check to confirm resolution