Ear Canker

Cause:
Mite (parasite)

Symptoms:
Crusty, scabby area inside the base of the ear. The rabbit will scratch the ear with it's hind foot and shake it's head.

Treatment:
Use a medication especially make for ear canker or a refined oil.


Ear Canker (ear mange) is caused by very small mites that gain access to the inner surface of the ear. It embeds its head in the layers of skin causing leakage of the serum and tissue fluid. Which then hardens and forms a scab or crust in the base of the ear. If infestation is heavy the animal also looses flesh condition and becomes unhealthy.

When you cover a mites body with oil, you essentially suffocate them, as a mite breathes through its body. In cases with heavy infestation, the oil may not penetrate all the mites, because of the crusts and scales. In time, the canker will reappear.

A more effective product is one specially formulated for Ear Canker which by its chemical nature penetrates all debris and kills all mites on contact. In 3 days a follow up treatment should be enough to prevent reinfestation.

As a matter of precaution, when you are treating one rabbit having canker, the rabbits in adjoining cages should be treated also, and the cages disinfected.
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