Rabbit ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) cause intense irritation and thick, crusty brown deposits in the ear canals. Left untreated, the infection spreads and can cause otitis media (middle ear infection) with head tilt. Treatment is highly effective and relatively straightforward.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What Are Rabbit Ear Mites?
Psoroptes cuniculi is a surface-living mite that infests the ear canals and inner ear flap (pinna) of rabbits. Unlike burrowing mites, Psoroptes lives on the skin surface and causes disease through mechanical irritation and an allergic/inflammatory response to mite waste products. Ear mites are highly contagious between rabbits and are one of the most common parasitic conditions seen in domestic rabbits.
As described in Quesenberry & Carpenter's Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, rabbits that are housed outdoors, purchased from pet stores, or kept with other rabbits are at highest risk. Stress and immunosuppression can trigger clinical disease in rabbits that carry subclinical infestations.
Signs of Ear Mites in Rabbits
- Frequent head shaking or ear flicking
- Scratching at one or both ears with hind feet
- Thick, brown/beige crusty material inside the ear canal and on the inner ear flap (pinna) — the hallmark sign; in severe cases the crust fills the entire ear canal and extends onto the head, neck, or face
- Dried, scaly skin on the inner ear and ear base
- Odor from secondary bacterial infection
- Head tilt — if the infection has spread to the middle ear (otitis media)
- Pain response when the ear base is touched
In early or mild infestations, the rabbit may simply shake its head occasionally and the ear canal may show light scaling. As the infestation progresses, the distinctive "honeycomb" crust that fills the ear canal is characteristic enough for tentative diagnosis on visual examination alone — confirmed by microscopy of a scraping showing mite stages.
Diagnosis
A cotton swab sample from the ear crusty material placed on dark paper shows the mites moving (they are visible to the naked eye). Microscopic examination confirms Psoroptes cuniculi. In cases with head tilt, skull radiographs or CT may be needed to assess middle ear involvement.
Important: Do NOT manually remove the crusts before treatment — they are attached to inflamed, sensitive tissue. Forceful removal causes pain and bleeding. The mite treatment softens and loosens the crusts, which then fall away naturally.
Treatment
Ivermectin (0.4–0.6 mg/kg subcutaneously, 2–3 doses 2 weeks apart) or selamectin (topical, applied monthly as in Revolution) are effective treatments. Selamectin is often preferred for ease of application and safety. As described in Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, dosing accuracy is critical in small rabbits — owners should never use off-the-shelf cattle or swine ivermectin products without veterinary guidance on exact dilution and dose.
Environmental treatment: Psoroptes can survive off-host for 2–3 weeks. Bedding should be changed and the enclosure cleaned. All rabbit contacts should be treated simultaneously.
Pain management: Meloxicam (0.5–1 mg/kg orally) is appropriate while the ear heals, especially if secondary otitis is present.
Treatment cost: an exotic vet visit with medication typically runs $150–350 for uncomplicated ear mites; otitis media cases requiring radiographs and extended treatment can cost $300–700.
The AEMV Pet Care Guides, 2024 recommend follow-up examination 4 weeks after completing treatment to confirm resolution and assess for middle ear complications.
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- You see crusty brown material inside your rabbit's ear canal — especially if it is thick and filling the canal
- Your rabbit is shaking its head persistently or scratching at its ears
- The rabbit shows any signs of head tilt, loss of balance, or circling
Go to the ER immediately if:
- Your rabbit has a severe head tilt and is rolling uncontrollably (may indicate vestibular crisis from otitis media/interna)
- Your rabbit has stopped eating for 12+ hours (stasis risk)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are rabbit ear mites contagious to cats, dogs, or humans? Psoroptes cuniculi is specific to rabbits and some other small mammals. It does not permanently establish on cats, dogs, or humans, though transient skin irritation is possible with heavy exposure. Within a multi-rabbit household, all rabbits should be treated simultaneously regardless of visible signs.
Can I treat rabbit ear mites with over-the-counter products? Over-the-counter ear mite products designed for cats and dogs are NOT safe for rabbits without veterinary guidance. Rabbits are extremely sensitive to many chemicals, including pyrethrin-based products. Seek veterinary prescription of ivermectin or selamectin at rabbit-specific doses.
How much does rabbit ear mite treatment cost? An exotic vet visit with selamectin or ivermectin typically costs $150–350. Cases with secondary otitis or head tilt requiring radiographs and extended antibiotic treatment cost $300–700. Untreated ear mites can progress to middle ear osteomyelitis, a much more expensive and serious complication.
How long does it take for rabbit ear mites to resolve? With appropriate treatment, the mites are killed within days. The thick ear crusts loosen and fall away over 2–4 weeks. Head shaking and scratching should diminish within 1–2 weeks. A follow-up visit at 4 weeks confirms full resolution.
Can ear mites cause permanent damage in rabbits? If treated early, no — the ears recover fully. Untreated or recurrently infected cases can develop permanent scarring of the ear canal, chronic otitis media with auditory damage, or vestibular damage from otitis interna. Prevention through early detection and treatment is much better than treating established complications.
Still Not Sure if Your Rabbit Needs a Vet?
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