Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > Rabbits itchy ear.

Rabbits itchy ear.

22 10:17:33

Question
I just brought my rabbit home from the shelter today, and I've noticed he constantly itches his ear, and cleans it. Also it seems rather bald near the tops of his ears by his head. Is this common ?

Answer
Hello Brenda

Your bunny most likely has ear mites or fur mites.  They can also shake their heads if they have vestibular disease, which is an infection in the inner ear.  This can lead to wry neck which is very difficult to cure.

I can't tell you how to treat it but I can tell you that you should have him examined by a vet just to be certain.  If it was just bald spots I would suspect molting but since it is scratching at its ear it would seem as though something was irritating it.

Anytime you bring home a new bunny it is important to have it examined by a vet.  The shelters don't always have vets that are familiar with rabbit illnesses.  Some do and some don't.  I would call the shelter and tell them that something is wrong with your bunny and ask them if they have an exotic animal specialist on staff.  If they don't then you need to find one in your area.  Many vets will treat rabbits but not all of them are certified as exotic animal specialists.  I will give you a link at the bottom that may help you find a vet.  Any vet can see ear mites and most should know how to treat them.  It would be unethical for me to tell you what to do without seeing the bunny.

I hope that you can find a vet here:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

If you can't find a vet here then please send me a private message with your location and I will see if I can find one for you.

Bless your heart for saving that little bunny from the shelter.  

Sincerely,

Pam