Ear Infections
Ear infections can cause pain, swelling, head tilt, balance issues, and spinning. These symptoms can also be caused by e-cunniculi parasitic infection, aka ‘head tilt.’ We cover e-cunniculi in another article.
Ear infections can also cause nystagmus, which is rapid involuntary eye movements.
Lop rabbits can be particularly prone to ear infections.
Our advice to lop rabbit owners:
If you can afford it, get pet insurance from Nationwide Pet Insurance. It doesn’t cover everything, but lops are prone to tooth and ear issues which can require expensive surgeries eventually. Best to get insurance asap if you can get it, so that ‘preexisting conditions’ don’t get on the record before it kicks in.
Get in the habit fo checking under the ears for lumps. Put your finger tips under the ear right where it folds down…where you’d put your fingers if you were going to flop the ears up and down. Get used to what that feels like. If you ever feel a lump on either side, like a small pea, get to the vet. It’s probably an ear infection. They can be hard to cure.
Ear drops. Use a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3-4 parts water and put a few drops in each ear every week or so. This solution is antibacterial and will also help soften wax so your bun can scratch and shake it out. The bun will hate it. Sit on your knees with your feet crossed so the bun can’t back out and under you. Place bun facing out between knees. Hold In place with knees. Hold bun’s head and put a few drops in one ear, rub them in. You might need another person to help if you try to do both ears at the same time. Don’t get solution in eyes.
Ear cleaning and that habit is important esp as the bun gets older. If arthritis sets in then the bun can’t scratch ears easily so wax and build up.
If you bunny ever drools or there is crust around the mouth or discoloration, see the vet. Your bun may need regular tooth trimmings. Find a rabbit-savvy vet to help you.
Check the base of your bunny’s ear where the flap meets the head. Pro tip: use two fingers to check under both ears at the same time. If you feel a swelling on one side, it’s time to go to the vet.
AI-Generated summary of ‘treatment protocols for ear infections in rabbits’
This is not veterinary advice. We provide this information to help you have a conversation with your own rabbit vet about the appropriate care for your rabbit.
Overview of Ear Infections in Rabbits
Otitis Externa: Involves the outer ear canal and is often associated with wax or debris buildup.
Otitis Media/Interna: Involves the middle or inner ear, often presenting with head tilt, nystagmus, or severe balance issues.
Common causative organisms include Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas species.
Diagnostic Workup
Physical Exam: Assess for ear debris, pain, swelling, or discharge.
Imaging: Skull radiographsare critical for detecting middle or inner ear involvement.
Cytology and Culture: Collect samples from the ear canal to identify pathogens and determine antibiotic susceptibility.
Treatment Protocol
1. Topical Therapy for Otitis Externa
Medications:
Enrofloxacin otic drops: 5 mg/mL, 2–4 drops per ear twice daily.
Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream: Effective against bacteria and fungi. Apply 0.1–0.2 mL into the ear canal daily.
Cleaning: Use warm saline or a rabbit-safe ear-cleaning solution to flush debris gently. Avoid overly aggressive cleaning to prevent pain or further damage.
2. Systemic Antibiotics (for Otitis Media/Interna or Severe Cases)
Enrofloxacin: 10 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously every 12–24 hours.
Marbofloxacin: 2–5 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously every 24 hours.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMS): 30 mg/kg orally every 12 hours.
Penicillin G (Pen-G):
Indication: Severe or recurrent otitis media/interna caused by susceptible bacteria such as Pasteurella multocida.
Dosage: 40,000–60,000 IU/kg subcutaneously every 48 hours.
Route: Subcutaneous injection only; DO NOT administer orally, as this can disrupt gut flora and lead to enterotoxemia.
Notes: Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation and abscess formation.
3. Anti-inflammatory Therapy
Meloxicam:
Dosage: 0.3–1.0 mg/kg orally once daily.
Notes: Use with caution in rabbits with kidney issues; monitor hydration status.
4. Pain Management
Buprenorphine:
Dosage: 0.03–0.05 mg/kg subcutaneously every 8–12 hours.
Essential in cases with severe discomfort due to otitis media or interna.
5. Supportive Care
Fluids: Administer subcutaneous or IV fluids to maintain hydration.
Nutritional Support: Critical Care (e.g., Oxbow or Emeraid) if the rabbit is not eating well.
Probiotics: Support gut health during antibiotic therapy (e.g., Benebac or Protexin).
6. Surgical Intervention
If medical management fails or abscesses develop in the ear canal, a total ear canal ablation (TECA) may be necessary. Consult with a rabbit-savvy surgeon for these cases.
Monitoring
Schedule rechecks every 1–2 weeks during treatment.
Monitor for resolution of clinical signs such as ear discharge, head tilt, or loss of appetite.
If neurological symptoms worsen, adjust treatment or perform additional imaging.
Potential Risks of Pen-G
Injection Site Reactions:
Monitor for abscess formation or irritation at the injection site.
Allergic Reactions:
Rare but possible. Keep epinephrine on hand for severe cases.
Gut Flora Disruption:
Avoid oral administration; always pair systemic use with probiotics to mitigate risks.
Prognosis
Mild Otitis Externa: Often resolves with appropriate topical and systemic therapy.
Otitis Media/Interna: Prognosis depends on the extent of damage and the promptness of treatment. Residual head tilt or balance issues may persist in severe cases.
Additional Resources
Textbooks: "Textbook of Rabbit Medicine" by F. Harcourt-Brown.
Online Forums: Exotic Animal Veterinary Network for updates and case discussions.
Rabbit-Savvy Consultants: Collaboration with exotic specialists for challenging cases.
