Ear mites

Ear Mite (Psoroptes cuniculi)

Ear Mite in Rabbit

Etiology (cause)

• Psoroptes cuniculi* is a non-burrowing mite and the causative agent of psoroptic mange, also called ear mange, ear canker, or otoacariasis.

It feeds on skin exudates, producing intense irritation and secondary infection if untreated. Source

Clinical Signs

• Crusty canker and lesions of the ear canal
• Excessive scratching, head shaking, or tilting
• Thick waxy exudate with foul odor
• Pain on palpation of ears
• Severe cases: anorexia, weight loss, neurological signs due to secondary infection

Treatment, Prevention, and Control

Oil or ivermectin alone are not always effective, but when used together treatment success is high. Oil suffocates mites, softens scabs, and soothes the skin, while ivermectin penetrates deeper once crusts are cleared.

• **Ear cleaning:** Soften canker with mineral, sweet, or olive oil. Do **not** scrape or forcibly remove crusts—allow them to detach naturally with gentle massage. Loose crusts can be wiped with cotton balls.
• **Topical treatment:** After clearing excess oil, apply 3 drops of 1% injectable ivermectin (swine/cattle formula) into the ear canal and seal lightly with a cotton ball. Repeat in both ears.
• **Systemic treatment:**

 - Ivermectin: 0.1–0.4 mg/kg SC injection, repeat in 14 days (Curtis et al., 1990; McKellar et al., 1992; Wright & Riner, 1985).  
 - Selamectin (Revolution®): 6–18 mg/kg topically q4wk for 1–2 treatments.  
 - Imidacloprid + moxidectin (Advocate®/Advantage Multi®): applied topically every 30 days ×3 treatments.  
 - Eprinomectin: 200–300 μg/kg SC once.  

• **Rotenone/mineral oil mix (3% rotenone in oil 1:3)**: applied every 5 days for 30 days has been reported effective.
• Less effective: plain mineral oil, generic acaricides, or flea powders.

Ivermectin dosage notes

• Max safe dose: up to 0.4 mg/kg.
• Avoid use in pregnant does—drug can affect conception and implantation.
• 1% injectable (10 mg/mL): dilute 1:10 with propylene glycol (1 mg/mL final), then dose at 0.4 mg/kg.
• Pour-on 3% solutions must be diluted 1:5 for safe topical dosing.
• May also be given orally in diluted form.

Demonstration

Video: treating rabbit ear mites

Old Wives’ Tales and Dangerous Remedies

Several harmful “home treatments” circulate online. These are **dangerous and should be avoided**:

• **WD-40** – irritant, contains white spirit (toxic to liver, kidney, CNS). HERO Report
• **Apple cider vinegar & vegetable oil** – causes severe pain on raw tissue, does not kill mites.
• **Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca)** – highly toxic to rabbits; absorbed through skin and potentially lethal. AVMA study
• **Eucalyptus Oil** – poisonous to rabbits, burns inflamed skin. PubMed source
• **Hydrogen Peroxide** – causes severe burning, pain shock, and has killed rabbits; inhumane and unnecessary.

References

• Biology and Diseases of Rabbits. Nowland MH, Rush HG. In: Laboratory Animal Medicine, 3rd ed. 2015 Full Text
• Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. 2012 Full Text
• Curtis R, et al. 1990; McKellar Q, et al. 1992; Wright & Riner 1985.
• Carpenter JW. *Exotic Animal Formulary*, 4th ed.