Otitis (Ear Infection)

Ear infections are very common in rabbits as their ear canals are mostly vertical. There are many causes for this common infection of the ear that can be prevented. If this infection occurs and is caught and treated early, it should not be life threatening. 

Causes:

• Ear mites

• Excessive hair in the ear canal

• Excessive moisture in the ear canal

• Excessive ear wax

• Foreign bodies lodged in the ear canal

• Rhinitis, siniusitis, Staphylococcus (Yeast infection)

• Hypersensitivity to cleaning solutions

 

Symptoms:

When a rabbit has Otitis they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• Scratching of or around the ear

• Rubbing the ear on the floor or furniture 

• Shaking of the head

• Tilting of the head

• Loss of balance 

• Unusual eye movements

• Walking around in circles

• Hearing loss

• General discomfort

 

Physical:

• Yellow, brown or bloody discharge 

• Odor in the ear

• Crusts/ scabs on the inside of outside of the ear

• Hair loss around the ear

• Swelling of the ear

• Temperature

 

Prevention:

• Check your rabbit's ears regularly for abnormal discharge.

• If dirty, clean your rabbit's ears gently with a damp cotton ball.

• After baths, dry your rabbit's ears thoroughly.

• If your rabbit has excessive hair in or around the ears, take him/her to a groomer or vet to have it removed. 

• Provide a healthy balanced diet that includes lots of green vegetables to prevent other conditions that may lead to Otitis.