Ear Mites

[naturestee]

Also see:
Fur Mites

What is it?
From Robin Rysavy, DMA, in consultation with Noella Allan, DVM
http://www.ebonyeyes.co.uk/aspbite/categories/index.asp?intCatID=265

A common problem often seen in rabbits is the presence of Psoroptes cuniculi (ear mites). These tiny parasites, a member of the arachnid family (includes spiders and scorpions), can cause intense suffering and illness if left untreated. Their life span is approximately 21 days. Psoroptes cuniculi are non-burrowing, and chew and pierce the skin in the ear canal. Sometimes a rabbit caretaker will notice the accumulation of multiple layers of a thin, brown flaky crust on the inside ear of a rabbit. This crust is generally composed of mites, mites feces, skin cells, and inflammatory cells. Often a secondary bacterial infection will develop, which can extend to the middle and inner ear causing torticollis (head tilt) and ataxia (staggering or jerky, uncontrolled movements). In addition, with a severe infestation, the mites may extend to the head, neck, and other parts of the body. These mites cause intense itching, and often rabbits will scratch and shake their heads, which can lead to further trauma of the affected area.

Fast Up onRabbit Care Ear Mites
[align=center][flash=425,344]http://www.youtube.com/v/MoZgnAE7LAY&hl=en&fs=1[/flash]
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Articles

Listings in Rabbit References: Ear Mites
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#mites

Listings in Rabbit References: Skin Problems
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#skin

Ear Mite: Psoroptes cuniculi
http://medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Parasitic/earmite/Psoroptes.htm

Fur and Ear Mites
http://www.islandgems.net/mites.html
(broken link)

[font="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][/font][font="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"]Ivermectin
http://www.medirabbit.com/Safe_medication/Anti_parasitics/ivermectin.PDF

Ear Mite Medication
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=0&cat=1461&articleid=1403[/font]

[font="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"]http://www.mybunny.org/info/mites.pdf

http://www.welshrabbitry.com/health.html#earmite

[/font]Scientificarticle about treating a very severe case of ear and fur mites. Discretion advised!
http://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/veterinary/issues/vet-07-31-6/vet-31-6-11-0703-29.pdf
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[/font]RO Threads

Ugh, Please Help...
Ear Mite??
Ivermectin
Are these ear mites? (photo)
RO Discussion on Ear Mites and types of treatment

Bumps in ears, wet nose and eyes (treatment options)

http://www.rabbitsonline.net/f27/bumps-ears-wet-nose-eyes-74065/index2.html

 

[JimD]

[align=left]Photo[/align][align=left](Submitted byblackdutch, Nov 24th, 2006)

Subject: Chocolate buck with ear mites.
The ear was scabby with light brown flakes. Some of the scabs came off and the ear was bloody.
A vet was consulted and treatment using sheep ivermectinwas recommended.
As of Jan 21st, 2007 the buck was reported as doing fine.

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