There’s nothing quite like the sweet, floppy-eared charm of a pet rabbit. But those adorable lop ears require special care. Rabbits are prone to excessive and impacted ear wax that can lead to painful infections. Learn the facts about safe ear cleaning for your bunny. We’ll explore why rabbits get waxy buildup and how to gently remove it. Discover what to watch for and when to make an emergency vet visit for an infected ear. This helpful guide will keep your long-eared friend comfortable and their hearing sharp. Managing ear wax is a key part of caring for your rabbit. Read on to become an expert on rabbit ear health!
Can Rabbits Get Ear Wax?
Rabbits can definitely get ear wax buildup, just like humans and other animals. Their ears are very long and shaped in a way that can trap wax and debris. Ear wax, also called cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal and helps protect and lubricate the ears. However, too much buildup of ear wax can cause discomfort, infection, and other issues for rabbits. Monitoring your rabbit's ears and removing excess wax when needed is an important part of rabbit ear care.
My Rabbit Has Ear Wax
If you notice your rabbit has ear wax, don't panic. Some amount of ear wax is normal. Look inside your rabbit's ears – is the wax light brown and soft? This is healthy ear wax and doesn't need removed. Hard, dark brown wax buildup does need gently removed. Your rabbit may have excessive ear wax due to the shape of their ear canals, lack of jaw motion to move wax out, or overproduction of wax. Floppy eared rabbits like lops are prone to wax buildup. Regularly checking for and removing excess wax will keep your bunny comfortable.
Can You Clean a Rabbit's Ears?
Yes, you can and should clean your rabbit's ears to remove any excess ear wax. Cleaning should be done regularly as part of grooming routine. A clean ear canal will prevent painful impactions and decrease risk of dangerous infection. Use caution when cleaning ears though – the canal is very sensitive. Never insert anything into the canal. Gently wipe only the inner and outer ear with a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with mineral oil or an approved rabbit ear cleaner.
What To Use To Clean a Rabbit's Ears
There are a few safe options for cleaning rabbit ears:
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Mineral oil – Apply a few drops on a cotton ball to gently wipe away wax. Mineral oil lubricates the ear canal.
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Saline solution – Use a premixed sterile saline rinse or make your own saltwater mix. Moistens and flushes wax.
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Rabbit ear cleaner – These commercial products are designed specifically for rabbit ears. Contains dissolving and moisturizing agents.
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Unscented baby wipes – The safest choice if no specific rabbit products available. Gently wipe visible wax.
Avoid using cotton swabs or inserting anything into the ear canal which can damage delicate tissue. Also avoid harsh cleaners which can irritate sensitive skin.
How To Clean a Rabbit's Ears
Cleaning your rabbit's ears takes patience and care. Follow these steps:
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Gather your supplies – ear cleanser, cotton balls, towel, treats.
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Situate your bunny comfortably on your lap, wrapped in a towel. Have treats ready to reward cooperation.
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Apply a few drops of cleanser to a cotton ball.
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Gently wipe inner ear pinna in outward strokes. Remove any visible wax. Repeat with outer ear.
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Never insert cotton swab or insert anything into actual ear canal!
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Give your rabbit a treat and lots of praise throughout the process.
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Finish by drying ears thoroughly with a clean soft towel.
Clean ears regularly as part of your rabbit's grooming routine. Seek veterinary care if you notice discharge, foul odor, or signs of infection.
The Importance of Ear Wax Removal In Rabbits
Keeping your rabbit's ears clear of excess wax is very important for their health and comfort. Here's why ear wax removal matters:
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Prevent impaction – Hard, impacted wax can be painful and difficult to remove.
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Reduce infection risk – Excess wax traps moisture and debris, allowing bacteria, fungi and mites to thrive. This can lead to dangerous ear infections.
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Improve hearing – Wax buildup can reduce hearing ability, an especially important sense for prey animals like rabbits.
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Avoid damage from head shaking – Rabbits shake their heads vigorously to relieve ear irritation, which can cause ear trauma.
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Enhance bonding during grooming – Regularly handling and cleaning your rabbit's ears will build trust.
Caring for your companion rabbit includes being diligent about cleaning ears and removing wax buildup. If in doubt about your rabbit's ears, see your exotics vet.
Middle and Inner Ear Infections
While external ear infections are more common in rabbits, middle and inner ear infections can also occur. These are more difficult to detect and treat. Signs of a middle or inner ear infection include:
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Head tilt – The rabbit holds their head at an angle due to a balance issue.
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Circling or rolling – The rabbit moves repetitively in circles due to loss of equilibrium.
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Facial nerve paralysis – Parts of the face become paralyzed or twitchy. The eyes or nose may droop.
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Loss of balance or coordination – Bunny may have trouble righting themselves or appear dizzy.
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Decreased appetite – Inner ear infections can cause nausea.
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Abnormal eye positioning – Eyes may jut out or close due to nerve issues.
These signs indicate a serious medical problem requiring veterinary diagnosis and care. Middle and inner ear infections are often caused by ear mites or bacterial/fungal infections penetrating deep into delicate ear structures. Strong medications or even surgery may be necessary.
Outer Ear Infections
Compared to middle and inner ear issues, outer ear infections are more easily treated. Still, rabbit ear infections should never be ignored. An external ear infection (otitis externa) causes the pinna, ear canal, or outer ear area to become inflamed, itchy, or infected. Signs include:
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Head shaking and scratching at ears
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Visible redness and swelling inside ears
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Excessive wax and debris buildup
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Foul odor coming from ears
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Crusty discharge or pus draining from ears
Outer ear infections have various causes including bacteria, fungi, ear mites, allergies, moisture, and trauma from head shaking. Veterinary treatment includes cleaning the ears, medication, and addressing the underlying issue. Untreated infections can spread to the inner and middle ear.
Identifying Ear Infections in Rabbits
How can you tell if your rabbit has an ear infection? Look for these signs:
Loss of Appetite
Rabbits with an ear infection may go off their feed. The discomfort makes them not want to eat.
Head Tilt
Tilting or cocking the head to one side can indicate an inner ear infection. The rabbit is compensating for vestibular issues.
Discharge
Thick discharge, crusting, or pus draining from the ear signals infection. There may be a bad odor too.
Abnormalities
Swollen, red, or scabbed areas in or around the ears point to infection.
Behavior
Rabbits with ear trouble scratch, shake their head, stomp their feet, avoid being touched, or act lethargic or depressed. Seek prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment for any bunny showing signs of an ear infection. Left untreated, ear infections can permanently damage hearing and balance.
Treating Ear Infections in Rabbits
Treating a rabbit ear infection requires an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan from an experienced exotics vet. Here are some common elements of treating rabbit ear infections:
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Cleaning – Gently wiping away debris with saline and cotton balls. Never insert a cotton swab into the canal.
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Medicated drops – Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic ear drops may be prescribed for stubborn infections.
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Oral antibiotics – For advanced infections, antibiotic medication will be given orally or by injection.
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Medicated ointments – Applied topically to soothe pain and fight infection.
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Ear mite treatment – Mite killing medication if mites are the underlying cause.
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Anti-inflammatories – Reducing swelling and discomfort.
-Elizabethan collar – Prevents scratching and irritation.
- Surgery – Occasionally surgery is needed to fully cure chronic ear infections and remove polyps or masses.
Follow your vet's advice closely to properly treat your rabbit's infected ears. Even after resolving the infection, continue monitoring their ears closely.
Hard Ear Wax in Rabbits
While some ear wax is normal, hard, impacted wax can be a problem in rabbits. When wax gets dense and compacted, it sticks deep in the ear canal rather than shedding naturally. Signs of hard ear wax include:
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Dry, hard dark wax visible in the ear canal
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Your rabbit shaking their head or scratching at their ears
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Debris trapped in the wax
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Visible blockage or plug of wax
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Redness, itching, or irritation around the ears
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Muffled hearing
Hard ear wax often occurs when rabbits have floppy ears that don't allow enough air circulation. Lops and other droopy eared breeds are prone to impaction. Left untreated, hard wax can lead to discomfort, infection, and ruptured eardrums from head shaking. Seek prompt veterinary help removing stubborn hard wax.
What Causes Ear Wax Build Up?
There are a few key reasons rabbits get excessive ear wax build up:
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Ear shape – Long, curved canals and floppy ears allow wax to migrate inward.
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Lack of jaw motion – Constant chewing and jaw motion helps migrate wax naturally. Rabbits have limited jaw mobility.
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Insufficient air circulation – Floppy ears prevent air flow needed to dry wax.
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Excessive production – Individual rabbits may overproduce wax.
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Molting – Shedding fur contributes to trapped debris and wax.
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Improper cleaning – Allowing wax to accumulate leads to compacted impactions.
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Underlying issue – Allergies, mites, infection can increase wax production.
While some wax in normal, regular cleaning and inspection will prevent uncomfortable buildup. Seek vet help if wax becomes hard, impacted, or infected. With proper care, your bunny's ears will stay healthy and comfortable.