Bunny Ear Advice

[ruskabuns]

Hi Everyone, I am new to the forum. I have a trio of buns, Mr Rabbit, Hero and Pumpkin. I have come to ask for some advice about ears. 

I read a lot of previous posts on here where people are having different issues that were resolved by different means, however I am a bit stumped on this one and my vet is not much help right now (not a rabbit specialist, most rabbits in this country are seen as food, so good vets are hard to come by).

Hero especially has been scratching her ears a lot. The vet found that one side was slightly inflamed, however there were NO bacteria or mites under the microscope when they took a swab sample on two occasions. I was given medication Marbocyl and Stronghold anti mite just in case, as well as some drops that slow down wax production for a while.

She is still scratching, and the vet has no idea.I do not know how much is normal for a bunny to itch ears, but this seems increased. Do you have any ideas? What are your experiences with this? 

The vet is recommending more antibiotics (Meloxidyl), but I have not taken them yet as I want to get opinions.

Thanks!

[jerseygirl]

Could be a yeast/fungal infection perhaps.

I read in your other thread about the Frontline. I hope all will be well. Was this a different vet that gave you Stonghold? Are you able to give it or do you have to wait until all clear from the frontline? Or was this from a another time?

Meloxidyl is an anti-inflammatory. Rabbits tolerate it well but it has to be given with food, or make sure they’ve eaten just before or after. It may provide some relief but it won’t treat what is causing her to scratch her ears.

[Chelsea]

I took our mini lop into the vet for that reason, and was told there was nothing wrong, rabbits just scratch at their ears a lot. A few months later, I found a flea, and the vet recommended advantix II. Low and behold, the ear scratching decreased dramatically. I now watch his ear scratching to know when he needs another dose.

Edited because I just saw your other post about the frontline. That is terrifiying. Given that, I would imagine you have more pressing concerns right now besides ear scratching. I think I would give it enough time to make sure they are okay and then maybe try revolution or advantix after talking to a different vet.

[flemishwhite]

.

[ruskabuns]

Hi guys, thanks for your response.
The buns are now on Meloxidyl and Marbocyl as I described. Mr Rabbit is doing fine but Hero still scratches each day. I have not found any bugs on her, but I will keep looking. I am hoping I don’t have to keep them on the medication for too long, incase it upsets their stomachs.

Still a mystery… Their behaviour is OK, I really hope it is not an underlying serious issue. Thanks for your replies!

PS: I got confused about the anti flea brand. I checked again and checked with the vet, all is well and the brand is safe. I merely made an error. 

[ruskabuns]

A new development today: Hero’s eye is a bit runny. It might be dust allergens, but she is also still scratching her ear. I am still confused. Just wanted to ask you guys, apart from Marboyl and Metacam (Meloxidyl in my case), what other things are given to bunnies these kinds of issues? I am going back to the vet next week, but want to go with information so I can help them decide.
Thanks!

[Author]

Messages