Ear mites
Ear Mite Psoroptes cuniculi (Rabbit Ear Mite)
Etiology
Psoroptes cuniculi is a nonburrowing mite and the causative agent of psoroptic mange, also called ear mange, ear canker, or otoacariasis.[1]
Clinical Signs
canker and lesions of the ear
Epizootiology
life cycle
Treatment, Prevention, and Control
Oil or ivermectin by themselves are not always effective for treating mites, but are very effective when used together in tandem. Oil suffocates the mites, softens the scabs and soothes the skin. clearing out the dense waxy scabby material allows for further penetration of ivermectin to more effectively treat the infestation.
Several successful treatments have been reported. Prior to local treatment, the ears should be cleaned gently to remove accumulated exudate. One treatment involves the application of 3% rotenone in mineral oil (1:3) every 5 days for 30 days. Ivermectin is an effective treatment at dosages of 400–440 μg/kg SC or IM (Curtis et al., 1990; McKellar et al., 1992; Wright and Riner, 1985). [2]
Ear mites can be treated in an off-label fashion with various parasiticides including ivermectin (Ivomec, Merck, AgVet Division, Rahway, NJ), 0.4 mg/kg SC q7-14d for three treatments), or selamectin (Revolution, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY), 6 or 18 mg/kg topically q4wk for 1-2 treatments) (see “Fleas,” below).† Imidacloprid and moxidectin (Advocate/Advantage Multi, Bayer, Agriculture Division, Shawnee Mission, KS) are also effective for ear mites when applied topically three times 30 days apart.18 Subcutaneous eprinomectin (200-300 μg/kg once) can be used for Psoroptes, but this treatment is not effective topically.53 Less effective treatments are topical mineral oil, acaricides, and flea powder.27,41 [3]
To treat ear mites
- First Soften the canker with Mineral Oil, Sweet Oil, or Olive oil.
- Allow the oil to soften and detach the bulk of the crust.
- Never pull or scrape out the crust, always allow it to work out on it's own with gentile massaging and patting using almost no pressure.
- loose crusts will attach to a cotton ball as they come loose.
- Once the ear is clear of crusts, give a gentile wipe with cotton balls and q tips to remove excess oil.
- After removing excessive oil, use 3 drops of 1% ivermectin swine/cattle injectable Ivermectin solution, administered Topically into the ear.
- Place in 3 drops then seal with a cotton ball to prevent it from flying out .
- repeat in the other ear.
- You can then drop .5 cc ivermectin topically on the back of the neck.
