ear canker/infection?

Question
QUESTION: We just read about what we think our rabbit has on the web page.  He has alot of grey crusty stuff on 1 ear and a little on the other ear.  If he does have ear canker how did he get it?  He is in a cage by himself.  We are going to give the vet a call tomorrow, we were just very curious.


ANSWER: Dear Ruby,

The mites that cause ear canker and mange are microscopic, and can travel on the wind.  They can be fairly ubiquitous.  But when rabbits show signs of these problems, it's often because they already harbor a very small population of mites, but for some reason their immune system is compromised and the signs of mange and ear canker become apparent as the mites reproduce, unchecked.

Please read:

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

and find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Be sure your bunny is getting a healthy diet and good housing and care, as this will minimize the chances of recurrence of this and other health problems:

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

http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html

Hope that helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response.  We have not had any luck today in getting a vet in our area that deals with rabbits.  Do you have any suggestions on medication we could get for him?  
Thank you
Ruby

Answer
Dear Ruby,

The medications you can use are listed in:

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

Even a vet who sees few rabbits should be able to prescribe Revolution (selamectin), which is really the only safe, effective remedy on the market right now.

Hope that helps.

Dana