Rabbit Health
Rabbit Ear Infections UK
By Kaiser Khan, EditorPublished Last updated 3 min read
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.
Key takeaways
- Lop ears fold over the ear canal, reducing airflow and trapping moisture and wax. This makes bacterial and yeast infections more common than in upright-eared breeds.
- Head shaking, scratching at ears, discharge or smell from ears, head tilt, loss of balance, reduced appetite, and pain when ears are touched.
- Yes — middle and inner ear infection can cause head tilt (torticollis) and balance problems. This needs urgent rabbit-savvy veterinary care — not the same as E. cuniculi alone.
A wider perspective: animal rescue guidance and practical ways to help from the non-profit World Animal Rescue Network.
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.
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 |
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.
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
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
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
When to see your vet urgently
Same-day care for:
- Head tilt or loss of balance
- Not eating for 12+ hours — rabbits deteriorate quickly
- Severe pain or swelling around ear or face
Related guides
Sources & further reading
This guide draws on the publicly available UK advice listed below. Follow the links for the relevant guidance or the organisation's broader care resources.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Editorial sources and further reading (last updated 2026-06-25).
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Also see symptoms, symptom checker, and poison guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do lop rabbits get ear infections?
- Lop ears fold over the ear canal, reducing airflow and trapping moisture and wax. This makes bacterial and yeast infections more common than in upright-eared breeds.
- What are signs of a rabbit ear infection?
- Head shaking, scratching at ears, discharge or smell from ears, head tilt, loss of balance, reduced appetite, and pain when ears are touched.
- Can ear infections cause head tilt in rabbits?
- Yes — middle and inner ear infection can cause head tilt (torticollis) and balance problems. This needs urgent rabbit-savvy veterinary care — not the same as E. cuniculi alone.
- How are rabbit ear infections treated?
- Your vet may clean the ears, take swabs for culture, and prescribe rabbit-safe antibiotics or antifungals. Never use dog or cat ear drops without veterinary confirmation they are safe for rabbits.