When we live with rabbits, we must know the most frequent pathologist 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 pathologist are very common in rabbits, and it is necessary for the guardian to be aware of the necessary care it requires. In this article, we’ll talk a bit 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 (outer, middle and inner ear), it goes without saying that this inflammation can occur in any area of the ear canal. In a more complete way, we could define otitis as an inflammation of the atrial 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:
- Internal otitis: 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 the consequence of different factors.
- Otitis media: refers to the inflammation of the ear canal in its middle part. It is also often related to important anatomical structures and often causes problems if it is not diagnosed in time. However, it has a better prognosis than otitis interna.
- External otitis: here we mean that the condition is in the outermost part of the ear, sometimes including the pinna. Most of the time this pathology is caused by mites such as Psoroptes sppor Otodectes spp. It usually has the best prognosis, however, if it is not diagnosed in time, it can because otitis media and so on until the problem worsens.
As mentioned above, otitis can appear in any breed, but long-eared rabbits, such as the belier, must take more exhaustive care, because this anatomical condition favors the appearance of the disease.
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 us to orient ourselves to a presumptive diagnosis. Of course, each part of the ear when it is affected, will show some sign that differentiates it. The following signs and symptoms will help us 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 it is not treated in time, the discomfort ends up causing loss of appetite, which is lethal in rabbits.
- Redness: flushing is a sign associated with inflammation. It is a clue that informs the owner that something is not perfectly right.
- Inflammation: as its name suggests, 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.
- Secretions: depending on the cause of the otitis, you can end up carrying secretions that in many cases have a bad smell. Another sign that alerts the owner.
- One or both ears drooping: depending on how the condition occurs (unilateral or bilateral), the bunny with otitis often drops its ears.
- Head shaking: the discomfort caused by this pathology leads the animal to shake its head, trying to somehow alleviate the pain it feels.
- Pain on palpation: this pathology is very painful most of the time and the animal usually responds instinctively when the owner and the doctor examine it.
- Nystagmus: involuntary movement of the eyes that indicates, among other things, that there may be problems in the vestibular system.
- Head tilted: sign associated mostly with vestibular syndrome in rabbits.
- Lack of appetite: if the guardian is late in taking the animal to the vet, the pain and discomfort will make him lose enthusiasm for 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 the unilateral having a better prognosis.
Causes of otitis in rabbits
An inflammation in any part of the ear can be produced by many causes. 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 necessary care is not carried out in time. Psoroptes cuniculiis 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 should be treated as soon as possible.
- Drug allergy: Some ear level allergies can be caused by ototoxic drugs. You must be careful when medicating your pet, as using inappropriate doses can lead to this problem. The advice of the practicing veterinarian should always be followed.
- Bacteria: Some bacteria can cause an ear infection that ends up inflaming 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 they should be very different from those of bacterial origin, since they tend to get worse quite quickly.
Diagnosis of otitis in rabbits
To diagnose otitis in rabbits, first of all, the clinical signs must be related to the anamnesis and 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, it is necessary that the veterinarian perform the following tests:
- Blood tests.
- Skin scraping.
- Microbiological cultures.
In case of having all the tools, a tomography could be indicated, since some signs are indicative of neoplasms at the brain level.
How to cure otitis in rabbits?
Treatment for otitis in rabbits will be based on the cause of the inflammation, however there are medications 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 they are also indicated when the condition is autoimmune.
- Analgesics: analgesics such as carprofen can be used to give the patient quality of life while leaving the clinical picture.
- Fluid therapy: fluid therapy is indicated (0.9 solution or Ringer’s lactate depending on what is warranted) in case the patient is dehydrated.
The only one qualified to choose and dose a treatment according to the cause is the veterinarian. Medicating your pet without professional supervision is not advised.
