Possible Ear Infection, or Mites??

[Rachel]

Hello Everyone,

I could really use some advice, I’m a first time bunny owner and am unsure of what to do in this situation. I just got a Mini Rex bunny a week ago, he was 8 weeks old. His name is Oliver! Has been the sweetest, most loving, and character filled little guy every since day one. 

Just yesterday morning I noticed his left ear was down and the right was up, and he was shaking his head more than usual. I decided just to keep an eye on it for the day. As the day progressed it went from that to what I would describe as nodding and he just seemed not himself, he wasn’t hopping around, and just lounging. Not quite a tilt, but his head would nod to the left and he would jerk it back up, his eyes rolling up with it. He seemed to be losing his balance as well. I called my sister whom has had two bunnies for a year and said her bunnies get mites and to try putting mineral oil in his ears. I did so and rubbed the base of his ear with a towel, and then let him shake it out. 

Now, 24 hours later his head is tilted more and he seems to have lost even more balance. He is still eating and drinking, and prefers me to hold him so he can lay the side of his head that tilts a little on my arm, he’ll just lick my fingers and nudges me to rub his head. I feel so bad for him!! I am hoping I didn’t make it worse by putting mineral oil in if it’s an ear infection, and am wondering if there is anything I can do over the counter for him, as I checked with the closest vet that knows rabbits and it’s over 300$ just to visit for a possible ear infection and that is not in our budget right now! 

Could really use some help! I feel just terrible about this. I hate seeing him in pain!

[Sarita]

I cannot imagine it is over $300 for a possible ear infection, that just does not sound right…how could it be that much?

[Rachel]

I called and the women in the office claimed they would need to do an X-ray and other possible blood tests.

[jerseygirl]

That quote is off putting. You should be able to go in and have a normal consult. You can opt out of having X-rays and bloods done if a vet suggests this.
The vet should be able to do a visual check and prescribe antibiotics or anti parasitic depending on what is seen.

Oliver should really been seen soon as these things can progress rapidly.

Since he’s only young, you might want to look into pet insurance to help out in the future also. VPI offer a plan for rabbits.

Good luck and {{{healing vibes}}} for your little bunny.

[Sarita]

I agree that quote is off putting and not all those procedures are necessary. I would encourage you to make an appointment and see the vet. You absolutely do not need all those procedures done initially if at all.

[LoveChaCha]

I don’t think the blood work is necessary.
But if bunny’s head is tilted, bun should be seen by a vet
My bun has a history of ear infections and the only thing she has had done was the vet looked in her ear and also an x-ray. She was prescribed some medication and got acupuncture. Otherwise, no blood work. I would definitely go in for a consult.

[Sparky04]

I agree, blood tests and x-rays don’t have to be done off the bat. First thing is just a physical exam, they may do an ear swab, but that certainly won’t add up to 300. It’s only if they can’t find what’s wrong that they’ll have to do more tests. A head tilt can be serious and he should see a vet.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Where are you? We could maybe point you in the direction of a rabbit vet.

$300 is ridiculous. My bun gets ear infections frequently. The vet should be able to do a swab to determine mites or infection and prescribe something. If it were an infection that was not clearing up with treatment, only then would it be reasonable to do other tests.

[Rachel]

Starting yesterday evening he seems to be feeling a bit better, his eyes aren’t twitching anymore and his head is less titled. His balance still seems a little off, but he is hopping around more and eating and drinking plenty. I’m going to see how he does today and if there isn’t any more improvement by tomorrow I’m going to make an appointment.

I found a vet that works with rabbits, and is 45$ per visit plus whatever medication he might need. They told me the place I called first overprices everything and doesn’t really know much about small animals.

Thank you everyone for your help!

[Rachel]

Oh and I’m from Michigan.

[Sarita]

Not sure where in Michigan you live but here is a link from House Rabbit Society with a list of vets:

http://rabbit.org/rabbit-veterinarians-state-listings/#Michigan

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