When we live with rabbits, we must know the most frequent pathologies that affect them. Being well documented when acquiring a pet is crucial for its development and well-being, making it easier for the guardian to provide the minimum necessary conditions for proper pet ownership.
Different ear pathologies are very common in rabbits, and it is necessary for the guardian to be aware of the necessary care that this requires. In this article on our site, we will talk a little about otitis in rabbits, an inherent ear condition that can seriously affect domestic rabbits.
What is otitis in rabbits?
Otitis is nothing more than inflammation of the ear Knowing that the ear can be broken down into three parts (external, middle and inner ear), it goes without saying that said inflammation can occur in any area of the ear canal In a more complete way we could define otitis as an inflammation of the auricular canal and/or some components of it. The breed, age or sex of the animal are not predisposing factors for the condition to appear, but it is known that for anatomical reasons, long-eared rabbits are usually the most affected. We can briefly define the types of otitis in rabbits as follows:
- Otitis interna: refers to the condition of the inner part of the ear. It is the most difficult to solve generally, and brings with it the most uncomfortable signs and symptoms for the animal, since it is closely related to the eardrum and the entire vestibular system. Most of the time it is caused by bacteria, although it can be caused by different factors.
- Otitis media: refers to inflammation of the middle part of the ear canal. It is also usually related to important anatomical structures and often causes problems if it is not diagnosed in time. However, it has a better prognosis than internal otitis.
- Otitis externa: here we mean that the condition is in the outermost part of the ear, sometimes including the auricle. Most of the time this pathology is caused by mites such as Psoroptes spp or Otodectes spp. It usually has the best prognosis, however, if it is not diagnosed in time, it can cause otitis media and so on until the problem worsens.
As mentioned above, otitis can occur in any breed, but rabbits with long ears, such as beliers, should have a more exhaustive care, because this anatomical condition favors the appearance of the disease.
To avoid this and other problems related to your rabbit's ears, we encourage you to read How to clean a rabbit's ears?
Symptoms of otitis in rabbits
When a rabbit has otitis, whatever part of the ear is affected, it will show a characteristic clinical picture that will help guide us to a presumptive diagnosis. Of course, each part of the ear, when affected, will show some sign that differentiates it. The following signs and symptoms will help us to suspect that our rabbit has otitis:
- Pruritus: itching is a characteristic sign of this condition, leading the animal to aggravate the situation with scratching. If not treated in time, the discomfort ends up causing loss of appetite, which is lethal in rabbits.
- Redness: Redness is a sign associated with inflammation. It is a clue that informs the owner that something is not quite right.
- Inflammation: as its name indicates, otitis is inflammation of the ear canal, so this will be the predominant sign, although its location will not always allow us to appreciate it.
- Secreciones: depending on the cause of the otitis, it can end up carrying secretions that in many cases have a bad smell. Another sign that alerts the owner.
- One or both floppy ears: depending on how the condition is present (unilateral or bilateral), the bunny with otitis often drops ears.
- Headshake: the discomfort caused by this pathology leads the animal to shake its head, trying to somehow alleviate the pain you feel.
- Pain on palpation: this pathology is very painful most of the time and the animal usually responds instinctively when the owner the doctor checks it out.
- Nystagmus: involuntary movement of the eyes that indicates, among other things, that there may be problems in the vestibular system.
- Tipped head: sign associated mainly with vestibular syndrome in rabbits.
- Inappetence: If the tutor takes a long time to take the animal to the vet, the pain and discomfort will make him lose enthusiasm for the food, an issue that is quite dangerous in rabbits.
- Ataxia: uncoordinated movements, which in this case are associated with loss of balance due to inflammation in the ear canal.
We must bear in mind that otitis can be unilateral or bilateral, with unilateral having a better prognosis.
Causes of otitis in rabbits
Inflammation in any part of the ear can be caused by many things. In raising rabbits we will realize that some organisms are the cause of otitis, but that other types of problems that also end up inflaming the ear cannot be left behind. The most frequent causes of otitis in rabbits are:
- Parasites: some skin parasites in rabbits are usually located at the level of the ears, causing external otitis if the tests are not performed. necessary care on time. Psoroptes cuniculi is the mite most associated with otitis in rabbits.
- Autoimmune allergies: Autoimmune diseases have the peculiarity of affecting practically any part of the body, and the ears are no exception. They are not very frequent but immune-mediated otitis in rabbits has been described.
- Foreign bodies: Of course, the obstruction or injury of the ear by a foreign body will end up inflaming it, causing a clinical picture that it should be treated as soon as possible.
- Drug allergy: Some ear allergies can be caused by ototoxic drugs. You must be careful when medicating your pet, since using inappropriate doses can lead to this problem. The advice of the practicing veterinarian should always be followed.
- Bacteria: Some bacteria can cause an infection in the ear that eventually inflame the ear. The most frequent case is that of Pasteurella multocida, which curiously migrates from the respiratory tract to the ear on some occasions.
- Fungi: otitis caused by fungi is also described in rabbits and care must be taken very differently from those of bacterial origin, since which tend to get worse pretty quickly.
To avoid these and other problems, we recommend you read this other article on our site about Vaccines for rabbits.
Diagnosis of otitis in rabbits
To diagnose otitis in rabbits, first of all the clinical signs must be related to the anamnesis and the complementary tests. This pathology gives many clues, since its signs are quite characteristic and there are few differential diagnoses that we can include in the study of the patient.
To be totally sure that there is no other condition, as well as the cause that caused the condition, the veterinarian must perform the following tests:
- Blood tests.
- Skin scraping.
- Microbiological cultures.
If you have all the tools, you could indicate a tomography, since some signs are indicative of brain neoplasms.
How to cure otitis in rabbits?
Treatment for otitis in rabbits It will be based on the cause of the inflammation, however there are medicines for otitis in rabbits that can be used even when the cause of the condition is not known for sure:
- Antibiotics: If the condition is bacterial, antibiotics (such as enrofloxacin) will be indicated.
- Antifungals: if it is due to fungi, antifungals will be indicated.
- Glucocorticoids: Glucocorticoids (usually dexamethasone) are almost always used to help mediate the inflammatory process, and are also indicated when the condition it is autoimmune.
- Analgesics: painkillers such as carprofen can be used to give the patient quality of life while the clinical picture comes out.
- Fluidotherapy: fluid therapy is indicated (0, 9 or Ringer's lactate solution depending on what is needed) in case of the patient is dehydrated.
The only person qualified to choose and dose a treatment according to the cause is the veterinary doctor. It is not advisable to medicate your pet without professional supervision.
