I think my rabbit has an ear infection

Question
Hi Dana
My name is Liz and I am writing to you because I think my rabbit has an ear infection ... it is red and has light brown spots that look like dirt.  She looks kind of uncomfortable and not as active as usual, but she still eats and drinks the normal amount of food and water.  She is 5 months old and is an inside rabbit.


Answer
Dear Liz,

If the rough areas you describe are mostly on the ear pinna itself, and not inside the ear canal (as pus), then this could be a case of ear mites.  Fortunately, this is easily treated with Revolution (selamectin) from your vet.  Please see:

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

for before and after pictures of bunnies with ear canker.

To find a good vet to help you, please go to:

www.rabbit.org/vets

The vet can examine the bunny to be sure there is not also an infection that needs to be treated, which sometimes can be a complication of a severe case of ear mites.

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have more questions.

Dana