Dry/flaky skin on ears

[Danni_is_living]

Hi, I just have a question regarding my rabbit's ears. She's 11 years old, fractured right paw (long story, lots of vet visits) which is being managed with pain meds (metacam) and she's happy, playing, moving, eating etc fine but I've just noticed the skin on her ears seems abit dry/flaky. She's been to the vets alot recently (first went at the end of Feb, last trip was this Saturday) and none have mentioned/been concerned by it.

Is it just what can happen with old age? could it be because she's maybe not as able to groom as well with her paw? is there anything I could/should put on it to help soothe it? She doesn't overly scratch/itch her ears, like it doesn't seem to be bothering her at all. I did get pics if that helps and also bonus pic of my lil Scruffs if anyone has any advice/insights I'd really appreciate it

 

[Shimmer]

It could be mites. They don't normally cause issues as they are groomed out, but anything that affects normal mobility may affect access to groom some areas, particularly in an elderly rabbit, and that allows them to proliferate. It's an easy fix - there are spot-on treatments available - ask your vet what they recommend.

 

[Danni_is_living]

So I rang the vets today to see if I could email the pictures over and get an opinion, they said its hard to see on the pics but can see some dry/flaky skin but would only be able to say it's mites for sure if I took her in. They have recommended an over the counter mite treatment I could use, has anyone here used it? would treating for mites if it wasn't mites cause her any harm? Is there anything else Id have to do, such as spray down the room etc?

Any advice/guidance is appreciated, thank you

 

[Shimmer]

Mites are always around but only cause problems when they get a hold, usually due to a physical issue with being unable to groom properly (or having a companion to do it for you). If they can groom themselves properly, mites never get a chance to gain a foothold. There's nothing environmental that you need to do, other than routine good hygiene practices.

Ivermectin is a standard treatment. Follow the directions on the pack for dose (according to weight of the animal), and frequency (one dose a week for 3 weeks as far as I remember?? - check the directions)

It's not a big deal.