scab in Bud’s ear

[MissD]

Today I noticed a scab in one of Buddy’s ears, it looks like a scratch or cut scab, it’s dark red like dried blood. He keeps scratching that ear, he was scratching both his ears a bit before but today he does it a lot more often. He shakes his head a bit every now and then as well but I don’t think he’s in pain, just uncomfortable. He doesn’t seem ill, he’s eats his hay, drinks water, just had his veggies and ate them all and poops normal, was a bit more sleepy today but it might be the weather (not very nice in the UK at the moment). I would like to know what you think. I’m taking him to the vet Monday but I’m a bit worried. Thank you.

[LittlePuffyTail]

If you are taking him to the vet Monday, I wouldn’t worry. The vet will check his ears. It’s hard to say what it could be, but those are signs of ear infection and I see he is a lop. Lops are much more prone to infections. The vet will check his ears, do a swab and if there in bacteria will prescribe antibiotics.

Best of luck at the vet.

[peppypoo]

I don’t think it’s anything immediately urgent as long as his eating/pooping/activity are fine – I would just suggest a trip to the vet to check for ear parasites or infections, which it sounds like you’ve already planned.

[tanlover14]

Good luck to your boys vet visit! Keep us updated, hope if there’s any problems it’s something minor!

[MissD]

Well, we went to the vet and he had a good look into Bud’s ears. He said there’s a bit too much wax in them and that the left one looks inflamed. Luckily no ear mites. He prescribed Canaural drops (10 drops once a day for ten days) and actually put the first dose in himself to show me how to do it. He put quite a lot in there. Buddy seems very uncomfortable now, he keeps shaking his head and trying to scratch the stuff out of his ears. I just wonder if he put a bit too much into his ears. Or is it normal that bunnies hate ear drops that much?

[Sarita]

I think so – it’s normal for most people and animals to hate ear drops – it feels weird and unnatural and his behavior after ear drops sounds normal.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Bindi hates ear drops too. He shakes his head after. I always give him a treat right after to make him feel better.

[MissD]

It was a nightmare putting drops in Buddy’s ears. I had to get my partner to hold him, he kept trying to get out, scratching, biting, shaking his head. I tried talking to him and stroking his head but it didn’t help. It really upset me (and him probably more) but it needs to be done. It was terrible. I gave him a piece of strawberry as a treat after we finished and he seems alright now although very calm and quiet, he still shakes his head a lot even though we did it almost 5 hours ago. It hurts me that I’ll have to put him through it again every day for another week. Do you know any tricks to make it easier?

[Sarita]

Try not to feel bad! Think of the end result.

My easiest way of medicating (injections, sub-q’s, ear drops) is to sit on the bathroom floor (you want a small space so it’s not easy for Buddy to get away, with your legs spread out in a V shape and stick him facing away from you in between your legs and then put your hand on his head and body to make him squish down then insert the ear drops and massage.

[tanlover14]

Cover his eyes with your hands. This usually settles my buns don’t long enough for me to do something quickly to them. And mine are fighters! So I’m sure it will help make your process go smoother.

[MissD]

Thanks for your advice. It’s a bit easier now, I think he’s getting used to it. We have a check up with the vet on Wednesday and hopefully Buddy won’t need any drops after that anymore. He just hates being held or picked up, that’s the way he is Thanks again.

[tanlover14]

Glad to hear it’s getting easier! Three of mine are absolute HORRORS about being held or picked up so I feel you there!

[MissD]

Thanks

[MissD]

We went to the vet today for a check up and she said she couldn’t really see any signs of the infection anymore but prescribed baytril 0.35 ml twice daily “just in case the infection is still deeper in his ears” where she can’t look without sedating Buddy apparently. I’m not sure I want to give him antibiotics “just in case” and I heard baytril has quite unpleasant side effects. What do you think?

[Sarita]

I think it would be fine and I would give it. I’ve given baytril numerous times and it’s a very safe antibiotic for rabbits.

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