Archive Case #141: Rabbit Ear Mite Infestation

Clinical Clues

1. Morning cage-side observation finds a rabbit repeatedly shaking its head and scratching at the ears.
2. Thick, flaky crusts have accumulated inside the ear canals.
3. The rabbit is uncomfortable when the ears are handled.
4. The debris is dry and layered rather than moist and purulent.
5. Mite infestation is visible on examination of the ear material.
6. Psoroptes cuniculi commonly causes painful crusting otitis in rabbits.

Diagnosis

Rabbit Ear Mite Infestation

This case is most consistent with Rabbit Ear Mite Infestation because the rabbit has painful crusting ear debris with visible mites. The most important clues are the dry laminated crusts and intense ear irritation, which make bacterial otitis less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.