Forum

OUR FORUM IS UP BUT WE ARE STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF UPDATING AND FIXING THINGS.  SOME THINGS WILL LOOK WEIRD AND/OR NOT BE CORRECT. YOUR PATIENCE IS APPRECIATED.  We are not fully ready to answer questions in a timely manner as we are not officially open, but we will do our best. 

You may have received a 2-factor authentication (2FA) email from us on 4/21/2020. That was from us, but was premature as the login was not working at that time. 

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

What are we about?  Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum DIET & CARE Head jerking, Running frantically, frequent ear grooming

Viewing 19 reply threads
  • Author
    Messages

    • Avantika
      Participant
      371 posts Send Private Message

        As the subject title suggests, Moshu has been doing all of that since the past 2-3 days. I read that all these are signs of ear mites.

        I inspected her ears using a torch and I did see ear wax as suggested here :  http://riseandshinerabbitry.com/2012/10/30/ear-mites-causes-and-remedys/

        I know I wont be allowed by my family to take it to a vet till something visible comes out.

        If Moshu is having ear mites, its currently at its very early stage, so can I treat it with some home remedies and over the counter medicines ?

        In the link I posted above, they have mentioned honey, baby oil and white vinegar as one of the home remedies that will help. I want to confirm whether what has been stated in this article is reliable or not, based on your personal experience with your bunny friends. 

        Also, I can see that its causing itching and inconvenience, I want to know if its causing her pain at this stage ?

        Please help here.

         


      • Sarita
        Participant
        18851 posts Send Private Message

          It’s hard to know what it truly is – you don’t think he’s doing binky’s do you?

          As far as home remedies, I don’t suggest any – all I can suggest is trying Revolution which you can get at the vet’s – you probably don’t need an appt. just this is the only place that sells Revolution and it’s safe for rabbits.


        • Flint
          Participant
          103 posts Send Private Message

            I’ve used tea tree oil and vegetable oil successfully on my cat before. I don’t know if it’s rabbit-safe, though.


          • Avantika
            Participant
            371 posts Send Private Message

              Binky..Yes, I did read that too. Sometimes its difficult to distinguish between a binky and the behavioral symptoms of ear mites. However, as I said, I saw some ear wax inside one of her ears. I am pretty sure if mites are there, only one of her ears are infected since she isnt scratching both her ears. Moreover, I do see a slight difference in her sense of balance. I hope its just me and she isnt suffering to that extent.

              I have read about Revolution before. So thats Selamectin, right ? This article : http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesandconditions/a/CW-Revolution.htm states that it should not be given into the ear canal.. Is that correct ?

               


            • Sarita
              Participant
              18851 posts Send Private Message

                Correct – not the canal – it’s put on the back of the neck or really between the shoulder blades.


              • Avantika
                Participant
                371 posts Send Private Message

                  I want to know if administering this medicine in the absence of ear mites will harm the bunny ? I assume not ?

                  Also, this link shows two more medicines besides Selamectin.. How effective are they ? I am asking just in case I might not find Selamectin where I live. 


                • LongEaredLions
                  Participant
                  4482 posts Send Private Message

                    The revolution should not hurt in the case she does not have ear mites.
                    I can’t find the mention of the other two meds but ivermectin is another one you can use that is safe. NEVER use frontline.


                  • Avantika
                    Participant
                    371 posts Send Private Message

                      I can order Revolution online, but its way too costly. 45 USD, ie, 2700 INR.
                      I called a vet today and they said I could keep her on Ivermectin, but that she is a bit young for it. Moshu is 3 months old.. Is she too young for it ? And LongEaredLion, how should I make her consume it ? Crush the Ivermectin tablets and sprinkle in her rabbit food and vegetables ?

                      Also.. I read in more than one article how some rabbit breeders/rabbit parents have had successful experiences with Campho Phenique oil..
                      http://growyourowngroceries.org/home-remedy-for-rabbits-with-ear-mites/

                      Campho-Phenique Oil is not available here..since Phenol is not an over the counter substance..But Camphor is very common and my dad got Camphor cubes. He got baby oil too (Ingredients : Mineral Oil, Vitamin E Acetate, Fragnance. Its Johnson’s Baby Oil). I have olive oil, coconut oil and Vaseline too. I read about these in the link I posted above (comments from various rabbit parents and breeders). They say anything that cuts off the oxygen supply of the mites is helpful. I would like you to read the link and the comments.

                      I am not administering anything without consulting and confirming, it might cause her inconvenience for few more days but will keep her away from any potential harm.
                      Also, am I supposed to use a dropper and drop the mixture inside the ear canal or apply it in the insides of the ear using a brush or cotton ?


                    • Flint
                      Participant
                      103 posts Send Private Message

                        Ivermectin can be purchased at feed stores in a shot or in an apple-flavored paste. The injection is called Ivermec and the paste is just Ivermectin, I believe. I have been advised by the rescue I am getting my three bunnies from’s rabbit-savvy vet that the paste can be used safely for worming. A pea-sized amount for rabbits 6lbs+ half of that for 3-6lbs and 1/4 for 3lbs and under. I was advised to put it on the end of a carrot or something and they typically eat it no with no issues. It’s $7 at our feed store.  Just my two cents.


                      • Roberta
                        Participant
                        4355 posts Send Private Message

                          Revolution ampules can also be purchased individually from most vets and pets suppliers… The cost you quoted would be for a 4 month pack. It is one of the best ways to deal with mites and parasites..


                        • Avantika
                          Participant
                          371 posts Send Private Message

                            We found liquid ivermectin at a chemist shop here..so yes, two-three weeks from now, I will feed her ivermectin as a preventive measure.
                            As for the behavioral symptoms, they seem to have decreased since last night. Because I could not arrange selamectin at this point of time, I administered olive and camphor oil drops on her. 3-4 drops in each ear. Of course they dont welcome any foreign substance inside their bodies..but the head jerking, ear scratching has been noticeably reduced. I’ll administer the next dose tomorrow.


                          • Deleted User
                            Participant
                            22064 posts Send Private Message

                              As a side note (to an early poster) essential oils should NOT be used on cats!!! Their systems are different from ours, and their livers do NOT process essential oils as ours do so even diffusing them in a place the cat spends a lot of time in can be dangerous, applying them directly to the cat definitely is. (And while I’m not positive of the details re rabbits I would be EXTREMELY reluctant to apply them to rabbits for the same reasons. One must be cautious even using them near or on dogs.)

                              To anyone who buys and/or uses them casually please remember essential oils are chemical compounds, using them has an impact on the system and they should be handled with great care. Even the relatively gentle ones like lavender and teatree can cause severe reactions. While I’d be careful about experimenting on yourself that is one thing, applying substances to animals, … especially since they are unable to communicate their symptoms is unwise.


                            • Avantika
                              Participant
                              371 posts Send Private Message

                                I am always worried of the same thing..their inability to communicate any discomfort. I wasnt too keen on this procedure either.. but then I read LOTS of blogs and posts where a lot of rabbit parents use certain types of oils in case of ear mites. Two of which I mentioned in my earlier posts. Campho-Phenique oil and Olive oil are two commonly used natural remedies, even by rabbit parents and breeders in the West, where selamectin is commonly available. And I can see reduction in the symptoms..atleast as for now.


                              • Deleted User
                                Participant
                                22064 posts Send Private Message

                                  Avantika, I really don’t want you to think I was thinking of you when I last wrote, because I wasn’t. You are trying so hard and being so careful! I wish I had something useful to write (and would have like to in my last post) but to my profound regret I don’t know enough to have any helpful suggestions. I’m with Roberta, believing in the tried and true, and would definitely try for the Revolution, … but that’s just me.

                                  While I have no knowledge to draw on about treating rabbits (and have found a lot of the information online to be unreliable, very wise of you to check on this forum), I must admit I can’t imagine what harm olive oil would do. I know it is a treatment for ear mites and have used it on my own dog. But I’m afraid that’s as much as I do know. (Well that and I am reluctant to use mineral oil in any form, on myself or anyone else.) Like you I worry a lot about any animal’s inability to share how they feel and how something effects them; even more so with rabbits who work hard to hide their symptoms. You may not know what is the matter with a dog but most likely if he trusts you he will rush to tell you there is something not right. It isn’t perfect but its a start, unlike our darling rabbits with whom you need to be so watchful.

                                  Best of luck with your little girl, hope it clears up quickly and you are able to effectively prevent any reoccurance.


                                • Flint
                                  Participant
                                  103 posts Send Private Message

                                    Grey dove, the oils were not ingested, they were applied in the ear canal and multiple cats I’ve done this with have had no ill effects.


                                  • Deleted User
                                    Participant
                                    22064 posts Send Private Message

                                      Flint, essential oils are absorbed through the skin, or inhaled (note my reference to diffusers) they do not need to be fed to enter the blood stream. Therefore the liver is effected even if you “only” apply to a restricted external area. Furthermore cats like rabbits groom themselves so they will ingest most external applications. This is why products like Revolution work differently on cats and rabbits then on dogs.

                                      You may feel annoyed that this has been brought to your attention, and I am happy your cats appeared to suffer no ill effects, … but the fact is that applying essential oils to cats is a major risk. Several years ago two of my dogs got hold of a chocolate bar (unopened) that was seventy percent cocoa. They ate it, the chocolate, the foil, the wrapping. Neither of them showed one moment’s discomfort after this mass ingestion of what is too a dog (or rabbit) poison. I am profoundly relieved to this day that they were fine. However, they Never did get another piece! Lucky until now doesn’t mean you’ll continue to be. I can promise I’ve been much more careful where I left even unopened bars ever since.


                                    • Roberta
                                      Participant
                                      4355 posts Send Private Message

                                        I have 2 primary concerns… After considerable research some time ago I decided against using homeopathic or natural treatments as some of them are quite toxic but do not show immediate damage, it can be cumulative and take time to present itself by which stage it is too late.. the other is that when the oils don’t work they can drive the mites deeper and cause them to burrow which causes even more damage and very nasty infections.
                                        That’s my personal choice, I know others here have used natural methods with some success, there is a previous thread in the forums that is quite extensive.. I think it was under Fleas or a similar title..
                                        We have problems with Myxo and Calici here so I don’t want to take any risks and find that with the Revolution it is easy to get the correct dose and works quickly.


                                      • Avantika
                                        Participant
                                        371 posts Send Private Message

                                          Thank you all for your responses. Sometimes I regret bringing Moshu home since I do not come from a very pet friendly nation, to be honest. A lot of important feed and medicines are imported from the West and if you convert that into INR, thats quite a lot. And I am still a student. I tell you one thing about people in my country, they keep dogs well but most of those who keep birds or any exotic pet, they die within a short span of time.. they do not generally research about anything but do what they feel should be right. One of my mum’s friends even bathe her bunny every once in three months..She’s just lucky her bunny is alive and kicking. I love Moshu and will keep searching for ways and substitutes to solve her problems. I am looking for a part time job as for now, it will be good if some money comes along and I’ll buy a few things for her first aid kit.

                                          As for now, please answer another question : She is about 3 months old..can I feed her a dose of Ivermectin ? If not now, then when ?


                                        • Deleted User
                                          Participant
                                          22064 posts Send Private Message

                                            Hi Avantika, I’ve been reading your thread with interest and decided to post to reassure you that it’s ok to own a bunny in a nation (I’m curious to know where you live?) that isn’t pet friendly – look at me with my Henry. I live in the only state of Australia that bunny’s are illegal and thanks to ‘everyone’ on BB, Henry has the bestest life ever! Thanks to my BBer friends, Henry eats the correct amount of ‘right’ food and when his hormonal behaviour (spraying) got out of hand I was encouraged to find a ‘discreet’ exotic vet to neuter and vaccinate (calici) him as well as take care of any future needs Henry may have in the future. When I discovered Henry had mites and fleas, bam and Roberta were quick to suggest Revolution which worked an absolute treat – I always keep it on hand now. And even little things, like toys for Henry, BBer’s suggested and I bought him a tunnel not long ago, and it’s the best bunny toy ever!
                                            I understand the hesitation to go to a vet (cost?), but I also get your torment (inside your belly) if you think your Moshu is in pain (even itching can drive you crazy) and all you want to do is ease it. I don’t care where you live – your an awesome bunny parent and that’s all that matters Avantika. Don’t ever hesitate to ask us anything to do with your bunny – we will always help you out to avoid going to a vet when we can, and only refer you to one if it’s necessary. And I’m exactly like you – I won’t try anything with my Henry till experienced BBer’s say it’s absolutely ok to do so.
                                            Till I can understand bunny language (HUH? Lol….), I will always rely on BBer’s to help me out too.
                                            Sorry I can’t you help you out with your Ivermectin question – I have no experience with this product, but someone who has should be along to soon to help you out. Take care and your doing so well – don’t ever regret getting your precious Moshu bunny.


                                          • Bam
                                            Moderator
                                            16838 posts Send Private Message

                                              I know a reliable person (she’s a doctor, for humans) who treats earmites in kittens with a few drops of baby oil in each ear, because really young kittens shouldn’t get strong medicine. Baby oil is pure mineral oil, no essential oils involved (as pointed out, they can be toxic).

                                              I’m not a fan of home-remedies myself, but in this case it’s a person I trust. She took in 2 abandonned kittens that my brother found last summer, they were 4-5 weeks max and had ear-mites. They are now in a good forever-home.

                                              Revolution comes in a preparation for kittens.
                                              Here’s a rather detailed article on ivermectine, it says that it should be avoided in young animals since there are not enough studies made to know if it’s safe. If it is used anyway, note that the dosage must be very much smaller for a young animal than for an adult.

                                              http://www.medirabbit.com/Safe_medication/Anti_parasitics/ivermectin.PDF

                                              I hope you’ll be able to cure Moshu. You seem like such a good and caring bunny-mommy!

                                          Viewing 19 reply threads
                                          • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

                                          Forum DIET & CARE Head jerking, Running frantically, frequent ear grooming