Ear mites

I'm pretty sure Buddy has ear mites

I noticed today that he has a thinning patch of hair near the base of his ear along with some flaky skin. In one of his ears you can just about see some brown scaly skin (I know not to pick it off). The vet is closed now but I'm going to get him an appointment tomorrow, but is there anything I can do in the meantime? I'm worried that the mites came from his hay but if that's the case then I don't know what I can do to prevent it happening again Should I disinfect his hutch?

He is also going through a heavy moult at the moment, it's heavier than usual so I don't know if that's due to the mites. Otherwise he is acting normal but I'm still worried for him and I wonder if I could have caught it sooner. I know that mites can cause discomfort and itching so is there anything I can do for him to make him more comfortable?

In the meantime there's not a lot you can do, just hold tight and see the vet! Once he's been treated you will need to remove all bedding and disinfect everything in sight. If you have any other rabbits they will also need to be treated, even if they don't have outward signs of mites. I'm glad to read he's a hutch bun as at least everything's contained to one area and will be easier to clean. The mites may well have come in his hay but unfortunately there isn't much you can do against that, it's just a case of keeping vigilant for signs of them having got to bun. My mum's buns had ear mites a few years ago and that's where I thought they came from too, I'd chuck the remainder of that hay bag out if I were you.

The moult is probably unrelated, ear mites and skin mites are in the same family but different bugs I think? Can someone confirm? Anyway, mites on the body leave flaky, dandruffy skin at the base of the fur (it's sometimes called walking dandruff) so if you're concerned have a good poke around all over his body for evidence. I'd advise disguising it as a good stroking session or having treats ready or you will have one grumpy bun :lol: Good luck at the vet.

Good luck... My wee smudge is recovering from ear mites and although his outbreak was minor, it's been a bummer to treat, He has had 2 treatments of ivermectin and a bottle of Canaural for inside his ear,,,

All the best,,,,
Fee x