# Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk): Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Quick answer. Lop-eared rabbits are prone to ear infections (otitis) because folded ears trap moisture and wax. Signs include scratching, discharge, smell, and head tilt. Always use a rabbit-savvy vet — wrong antibiotics or ear drops can be fatal in rabbits.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk): Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Why lop ears are at higher risk. Lop-eared breeds — Mini Lops, Dwarf Lops, English Lops — have ear cartilage that folds downward, covering the ear canal. This reduces airflow, allowing: - Wax buildup - Bacterial and yeast overgrowth - Progression to middle and inner ear infection Upright-eared rabbits can also get otitis — but lops are disproportionately affected.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk): Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Symptoms of ear infection. According to the PDSA and RSPCA, watch for: | Sign | Notes | |------|-------| | Scratching or shaking head | Repeated | | Discharge or crusting | Inside or outside ear | | Unpleasant smell | From ear canal | | Head tilt | See Rabbit head tilt UK | | Loss of balance or circling | Inner ear involvement | | Reduced appetite | Pain and nausea | | Tooth grinding (bruxism) | Pain sign in rabbits | | Reluctance to be handled | Ear pain |

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk): Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Ear infection vs E. cuniculi. Both can cause head tilt — but they are different: | Feature | Ear infection (otitis) | E. cuniculi | |---------|------------------------|-------------| | Cause | Bacteria/yeast in ear canal | Parasite affecting brain/kidneys | | Ear discharge | Common | Usually absent | | Smell from ear | Often present | Unusual | | Diagnosis | Ear exam, swabs, imaging | Blood tests | Some rabbits have both — veterinary diagnosis matters. See E. cuniculi in rabbits UK.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk): Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Diagnosis. A rabbit-savvy vet may: - Examine the ear canal with an otoscope - Take swabs for culture and sensitivity - Perform X-rays or CT if inner ear disease suspected - Check teeth — dental disease links to ear problems in rabbits

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk): Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Treatment. - Rabbit-safe antibiotics — many common antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin/clavulanate) are dangerous in rabbits unless prescribed by a rabbit-experienced vet - Antifungal ear drops — if yeast identified - Pain relief — species-appropriate - Ear cleaning — professional initially; home cleaning only as directed - Never use dog/cat ear drops without veterinary confirmation

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk): Rabbit Ear Infections UK — Home care and prevention. - Regular health checks — lift ears gently and look for wax or smell - Dry housing — damp hutches increase infection risk - Healthy diet — hay-based; see Rabbit care UK - Avoid smoke and dusty bedding - Groom lop ears — keep fur around ears clean and dry

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk