re: Bunny digging behind his ear

Question
My daughters mini-lop is digging behind his ears leaving a cut/sore.  Is there a cause for this?  Is there anything we can do to get him to stop?  He just recently started doing this-I believe behind just one ear.  Can you help us?!

Answer
Dear Tammy,

Lops are very prone to ear infections and ear mites, and it would be a very wise idea to get him to a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

for a complete checkup and prescription for any problem with the ears, as the vet feels is necessary.  Ear mites are common:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

but unfortunately, lop anatomy makes them very susceptible to chronic ear infections.  I hope this isn't the problem, but if it is, there are good, rabbit-safe medications that the vet can prescribe.  Please also read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/culture.html

Hope that helps.

Dana