About the Rabbit: General Information
The kind of rabbit shown in Dr. Rosie is a Dutch rabbit. Its scientific name is: Oryctolagus cuniculus. Dutch rabbits are one of the ten most popular breeds of rabbits in the world.
Rabbit’s and Earaches: Do rabbits REALLY get earaches?
FACT
Yes! Rabbits really do get earaches. An earache in a rabbit is called an ear infection. The big word for an ear infection is otitis! Rabbits can have infections deep inside their ears as well as on the outer ear. The infections can be caused by mites, bacteria or yeast. Ear problems in the outer ear are most commonly caused by mites. Otitis media and otitis interna are conditions in which there is inflammation of the middle and inner ear canals (respectively) in rabbits. This inflammation is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from the external ear cavity into the inner ear.
Symptoms
Infections can make the ears itchy or painful. If a rabbit has an ear infection, it will either shake its head from side to side or scratch their ears or tilt its head.
Treatments
Infections in rabbits’ ears are treated in different ways depending on what is causing the infection. If the infection is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic is used. If it is caused by a fungus, an antifungal ointment is used. If it is caused by ear mites, some people have used natural treatments like (mineral oil, olive oil) to kill ear mites.
A licensed veterinarian will determine what is causing the ear infection and prescribe an appropriate treatment such as an antibiotic or antifungal ointment.
FICTION
In the book, Rosie puts aloe liquid inside the rabbit’s ear. Veterinarians do not use plain aloe liquid but they may use pharmaceutical-grade ointments or lotions with aloe vera liquid in them. These lotions, when used, are applied only to the outer ears.
LEARN MORE
- About Dutch rabbits: The Dutch Rabbit – Complete Guide
- Rabbits in general: 15 of the Best Pet Rabbit Breeds – PetHelpful
Rabbit ear afflictions here:
Infectious Diseases in Rabbits | VCA Animal Hospitals
Ear problems in rabbits – Net Vet
Inflammation of the Middle and Inner Ear in Rabbits | PetMD
Ear Infections in Rabbits
ACADEMIC REFERENCE
Fowler’s Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, R. Eric Miller, Murray E. Fowler, Elsevier Saunders, 2015. pgs 378-379
Image Credit: iStock.com/Andrew Gardner
