ChocoClover
Rabbit Geek
As you can see in the picture, he fur along the edges of the ears is missing.
This is happening with both my females, but not my male. I wonder if it is ear mites and what I can do to help.
Ear fur loss, maybe mites
- Thread starter ChocoClover
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As you can see in the picture, he fur along the edges of the ears is missing.
This is happening with both my females, but not my male. I wonder if it is ear mites and what I can do to help.
HiddlesKenway
Well-Known Member
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Ivermectin is your best bet. Make a vet appointment to confirm that it's ear mites. Hope your little ones are okay.
iLuvMyLilBuns
Well-Known Member
It doesn't really look like ear mites.
"Some rabbits just genetically have poorly furred ears. Others go through stages when the ears are not well-furred. If your rabbit normally has well furred ears and is missing some, check for these signs of problems:
1. head-shaking and scratching ears indicates fur mites or ear mites/canker. Hair loss is due to rabbit scratching itself. May also cause wounds or bloody spots from the toenails scratching the ear. Ear canker is treatable with ivermectin. Fur mites like the ears because the fur is thinner there. I have successfully treated fur mites by spreading a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the ears once every day. The Vaseline smothers the mites. Really, it works!
2. dander, also indicating fur mites
3. brown crustiness in the ear, indicating ear mites or fur mites.
4. a neighbor that licks his lips every time that ear gets near the cage wall"
"Some rabbits just genetically have poorly furred ears. Others go through stages when the ears are not well-furred. If your rabbit normally has well furred ears and is missing some, check for these signs of problems:
1. head-shaking and scratching ears indicates fur mites or ear mites/canker. Hair loss is due to rabbit scratching itself. May also cause wounds or bloody spots from the toenails scratching the ear. Ear canker is treatable with ivermectin. Fur mites like the ears because the fur is thinner there. I have successfully treated fur mites by spreading a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the ears once every day. The Vaseline smothers the mites. Really, it works!
2. dander, also indicating fur mites
3. brown crustiness in the ear, indicating ear mites or fur mites.
4. a neighbor that licks his lips every time that ear gets near the cage wall"
iLuvMyLilBuns
Well-Known Member
Do they have any symptoms besides fur loss?
ChocoClover
Rabbit Geek
They have no other symptoms. I'm wondering if it is a genetic problem because it's just along the edges and not dramatic. A while back Snowy had a scab on her ear, but I think it was unrelated because it went away very quickly. I do not notice any dandruff. They are both shedding profusely now. Could that have something to do with it?
The skin does seem a bit pink, but maybe that's just me.
This photo was taken in really bad light. Sorry but it's the best I have. It is of Snowy's ears. She is the only one missing fur from her ear tips.
The skin does seem a bit pink, but maybe that's just me.
This photo was taken in really bad light. Sorry but it's the best I have. It is of Snowy's ears. She is the only one missing fur from her ear tips.
ChocoClover
Rabbit Geek
I forgot to say that there is NO buildup, crust, or anything INSIDE the ears, just missing fur on the edges.
Are your rabbits kept outdoors? Have you just started noticing symptoms in the last few months? Did you have a cold winter?
ChocoClover
Rabbit Geek
Yes. I took her to the vet and he said it was frostbite. We did have a cold winter. I don't really know the conditions she was kept in before I got her this spring, but I think it was a bit sheltered. Well, anyways, were treating it the right way, with a warm washcloth. I'm glad I know what it is.
