Rabbit mites

Ear Mites

Ear mites are common in rabbits, the mite Psoroptes cuniculi can be easily transmitted through contact with other rabbits. The mites irritate the lining of the ear canal and cause thick waxy crusts to accumulate. Rabbits with ear mites shake their head, scratch and flap their ears. Cleaning the ear canal to remove the waxy crusts will help to settle the irritation and your vet will prescribe ear drops to break down the wax and kill the mites. Hutches should be cleaned out and thoroughly disinfected.

Skin Mites

Two types of skin mite are found in rabbits, Sarcoptes scabei and Notoedres cati. These burrow into the skin and lay eggs, these mites cause constant itching and scratching with hair loss and often severe self inflicted skin damage. Secondary bacterial infection of the skin can complicate the situation. The picture on the left shows skin mites on the outer surface of the ear flap. The crusting and hair loss is typical of this condition.

Fur Mites

Cheyletiella and Listrophorus species of mites can live on the surface of the skin and hair. Serious infestations can develop spontaneously when the rabbit is debilitated by another disease problem. Occasionally scabs and sores develop. These mites are transmitted by direct contact between rabbits. Ivermectin is an effective treatment, although not licensed for rabbits.

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