What to do about ear mites! Help!

[woodleighcreek]

I have a buck with ear mites in one ear. What do I do???

 

[Ms. Research]

I have a buck with ear mites in one ear. What do I do???

If he were mine, I would get Ivermectin (sheep) and with a Q-tip apply inside the ear. You can get it at any TSC. Only could find a bigger bottle, but you have more bunnies than I, so its good to have around. That's what we used for Kreacher and Dobby.

Hope this helps and your buck gets rid of those nasty mites.

 

[elevan]

VetRx Rabbit Remedy
Goodwinol Products

For use in all standard breeds raised commercially or as pets. A few drops administered every few weeks (according to the label directions) can help relieve snuffles, pneumonia, ear mites & ear cankers.

I use VetRx for my goats if needed for ear mites. It comes in a formula for chickens and rabbits too.

 

[hoodat]

The safest way is to use pharmacy grade mineral or olive oil. Just put some on a Qtip and apply it where ear mites are present. You can also clean out some of the gunk the mites leave behind with it. Be prepared to get an oil shower when the rabbit shakes its head. The oil smothers the mites. If you can find some camphorated oil it works even better. the camphor not only helps kill them, it helps repel new ones from coming in. Your phamacist can probably steer you to an over the counter camphorated oil or can order some in for you.

 

[DianeS]

The safest way is to use pharmacy grade mineral or olive oil. Just put some on a Qtip and apply it where ear mites are present. You can also clean out some of the gunk the mites leave behind with it. Be prepared to get an oil shower when the rabbit shakes its head. The oil smothers the mites. If you can find some camphorated oil it works even better. the camphor not only helps kill them, it helps repel new ones from coming in. Your phamacist can probably steer you to an over the counter camphorated oil or can order some in for you.

x2

I only use medications if the same rabbit gets repeated infestations. Mineral oil works almost all of the time, is cheaper, stores well, and has fewer side effects.

 

[woodleighcreek]

Thanks everyone for you help! Hopefully I will get it cleared up soon!

 

[Ms. Research]

The safest way is to use pharmacy grade mineral or olive oil. Just put some on a Qtip and apply it where ear mites are present. You can also clean out some of the gunk the mites leave behind with it. Be prepared to get an oil shower when the rabbit shakes its head. The oil smothers the mites. If you can find some camphorated oil it works even better. the camphor not only helps kill them, it helps repel new ones from coming in. Your phamacist can probably steer you to an over the counter camphorated oil or can order some in for you.

x2

I only use medications if the same rabbit gets repeated infestations. Mineral oil works almost all of the time, is cheaper, stores well, and has fewer side effects.

What side effects? Just curious because I didn't see any side effects.

 

[woodleighcreek]

Hmmm...well I know it can clog pores in humans.

 

[DianeS]

The safest way is to use pharmacy grade mineral or olive oil. Just put some on a Qtip and apply it where ear mites are present. You can also clean out some of the gunk the mites leave behind with it. Be prepared to get an oil shower when the rabbit shakes its head. The oil smothers the mites. If you can find some camphorated oil it works even better. the camphor not only helps kill them, it helps repel new ones from coming in. Your phamacist can probably steer you to an over the counter camphorated oil or can order some in for you.

x2

I only use medications if the same rabbit gets repeated infestations. Mineral oil works almost all of the time, is cheaper, stores well, and has fewer side effects.

What side effects? Just curious because I didn't see any side effects.

If you're truly curious, a web search for "ivermectin side effects" yields lots of results, and you can decide which site(s) is worth believing. Then check "mineral oil" side effects for the shorter list. Both have potential side effects, of course. Ivermectin because it's a medication, and mineral oil because it's a petrolatum product.

 

[Ms. Research]

x2

I only use medications if the same rabbit gets repeated infestations. Mineral oil works almost all of the time, is cheaper, stores well, and has fewer side effects.

What side effects? Just curious because I didn't see any side effects.

If you're truly curious, a web search for "ivermectin side effects" yields lots of results, and you can decide which site(s) is worth believing. Then check "mineral oil" side effects for the shorter list. Both have potential side effects, of course. Ivermectin because it's a medication, and mineral oil because it's a petrolatum product.

Yes, was truly curious. And did check both sides. As I am new to rabbits and my dogs never had ear mites, I wasn't aware of the mineral oil. After looking at both sides, I would have to agree with you on a "one time" infestation using mineral oil, but if there is a re-occurrence then use Ivermectin due to it being a medication. As with any medication, resistance can be a factor and knowing alternatives before medication is my thoughts exactly. Thank you for your reply. It's much appreciated.