---
title: "Rabbit Ear Infections UK"
description: "UK guide — lop-eared rabbits get ear infections more often due to folded ear canals. Head tilt, scratching, discharge. See when to call your vet."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-ear-infections-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Rabbit Ear Infections UK

**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.

## 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](/health/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](/health/rabbit-e-cuniculi-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](/health/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

- [Rabbit head tilt UK](/health/rabbit-head-tilt-uk)
- [E. cuniculi in rabbits UK](/health/rabbit-e-cuniculi-uk)
- [Rabbit overgrown teeth UK](/health/rabbit-overgrown-teeth-uk)
- [Rabbit care UK](/health/rabbit-care-uk)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Rabbit health](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Rabbit care](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)
- [RSPCA — Rabbit health](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/health)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25