Ear mites

[MissKris&Koji]

Good thing I wanted to do a baseline check with the vet – he could not confirm but suspects ear mites. I did notice the rabbit scratched a good bit, particularly one ear, but nothing crazy and no brown wax I had seen so far. But the vet said whiite stuff, that looked to be moving. Couldn’t reach far enough with a qtip to get it out and see it on microscope slide.

But we’re treating anyways. One injection of ivermectin today. And I have to go back in 10 days for another. Yikes, since the vet is an hour away. Vet said I could take a syringe home and do the injection myself, but he wasn’t sure the meds would stay good for 10 days in syringe. He also thought the injections were better than the drops, and less hassle. What do you guys think? I am trying to arrange someone else to take Koji back for his second shot – I can’t do it that day, or any day at all that week. I could have someone pick up the syringe and bring it to me fresh (I have a lot of experience doing injections in animals, so he was comfortable with that), that would be easier than stressing the rabbit out with another 2 hours in the car, but the vet also said sometimes rabbits need a third injection and checking the progress when they do the second can help determine that.

I’m glad I caught it before it got nasty, though. I’m just surprised – had him for 2 weeks, and he’s not seemed in distress nor did I notice any buildup. I guess ear mites progress slower than I thought? I’m not sure how he could have picked it up once he got here, as he hasn’t been around other animals, and my understanding was it was passed animal to animal or sometimes on straw… but he hasn’t had straw around either. Is there something else that might cause itchy ears (also the rabbit got agitated when the vet was trying to swab them, so I’m guessing they’re tender too)?

Obviously, this vet is new to me. He is HRS recommended, and he seemed okay. I just want to see what other peoples experience have been in treating ear mites.

On the plus side, Koji has perfect teeth, good body condition, and sounds and feels normal aside from the ears. And we got an offical weight – 2lbs 2 oz! I did forget to ask for age estimation confirmation, but I guess I will do that if we do bring him back in for the second shot vs doing it myself. Not really that important, but if we do get a number 2 I’d like to shoot for around the same age.

 

[MissKris&Koji]

Also, should I inform his rescue in case they need to check other rabbits at his foster home?

[RabbitPam]

Glad you discovered the problem and got treatment for it. I think having him go up for the second visit is best. An hour car ride each way is usually tolerated well in a carrier. Just bring some water and hay for the ride, or to give him once you’re th

I think it would be good to call the rescue and let them know.

[KatnipCrzy]

Ivermectin SQ is a proven ear mite treatment.  Do you have any other animals in the house?

I would definitely call the rescue to let them know- they sooner they can treat- the better for the bunny!

[MissKris&Koji]

Cats and rats – it’s my understanding that rabbit ear mites are rabbit only, though. And we JUST moved into this place, so it’s only been 3 days he’s been in the same building as other animals, and the ear scratching was noticed prior to that. So I don’t think it came from here, and I *hope* I don’t have to treat everyone else here.

I will let the rescue know, though.

Do I need to vacuum and wash his cage thoroughly with bleach and the like as mentioned online? The vet didn’t say anything about that.

[Sarita]

Yes, rabbit mites are only for rabbits. It’s highly possible he came with mites from the rescue. You cannot see mites with the human eye and sometimes it can take a few weeks for you to realize the symptoms. I would just clean it thoroughly and change the litter box. They more likely would harbor in the hay and any fabric type things like towels and stuff. Cleaning his area is never a bad idea anyway.

[MissKris&Koji]

Clean “it” – do you mean the cage or the ear Sarita? I have seen some places say to gently clean, and others say not to. Either way, he’s not scabby. And I do plan to clean the cage pan with diluted bleach and I guess get him a new cardboard box. I think I will wait until closer to his second shot to replace the box tho, and maybe wipe the cage out twice over the treatment.

As for my rugs, I have 2 area rugs down for him. I could vacuum heavily, but would it be easier to just throw them in a hot water wash? That should kill them, yeah?

[Sarita]

I mean the cage and the litterbox – I would leave the ear alone :~)

I would wash the rugs as well.

[Ham Sangwich]

I’m going through similar problem, not ear mites though, they are actually on his back. Mange essentially. Spoke to excellent Vet, he said unless it’s very warm, 80 degrees plus, he thought it would be highly unlikely that mites would live off of a rabbit for more than a half hour. Odds are vacuuming and leaving the rugs bunnyless for stretches of time will work fine.

Also when cleaning a cage, instead of using bleach you can use vinegar. It gets rid of smells, removes pee stains, will clean off mites and isn’t dangerous to bunnies. It doesn’t smell that great, but hey, neither does bleach! 🙂

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