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Rabbits/Crusty eye and ear issues

Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 9/4/2007

Question
Our five month old mini rex developed a little dry nose (her fur looked like it was turning white) late July. I treated it with conofite lotion/oil and it's better however, she now has dry, flaky spots around the perimeter of her ears (sounds similar to what is described in another question). THe conofite is working on her ears but now she has white patches around her eyes. I was told not to use conofite on her eyes. Can I use mineral oil? Susan

Answer
Dear Susan,

This is not likely to be fungus, but rather mange, which is caused by parasitic mites. The conofite might help control a secondary fungal infection, but until you control the mites, the problem will recur. Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

for a full description, plus before and after treatment pictures of *severe* mange. We've found that the best treatment is Revolution (selamectin), available from your trusted rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

With treatment, your bunny should be back to normal within a week to ten days.

Hope that helps!

Dana

Questioner's Rating

Rating(1-10)	Knowledgeability = 10	Clarity of Response = 10	Politeness = 10
Comment	Dana, Thank you for responding. I took your response to our vet and she has treated our rabbit with Revolution last Monday and it has helped so much. Her ears are clear and her eyes are getting better. Thank you!!!

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Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

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I've lived with companion rabbits for more than 35 years, and consider them members of my family. I can answer any questions about the biology and health of rabbits, from the commonplace to the unusual. But please note:

RULE #1:
THE INTERNET IS NOT THE PLACE TO SEEK HELP IN AN EMERGENCY.

If your rabbits is LETHARGIC
If your rabbit is NOT EATING
If your rabbit is PHYSICALLY INJURED (including broken bones)
If your baby rabbit has DIARRHEA

...it is an EMERGENCY.

Find a rabbit vet at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online! If you can't get in touch with your vet, read these Emergency Sick Bunny Instructions.

If you have found a wild baby rabbit, please read these EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS FOR WILD BABY RABBITS and then use this link to FIND A LOCAL WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR who can give you the right advice.

RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question.

If you already have been to the vet and still need help
if you can't find an available vet with the resources above

then LET ME KNOW IN THE SUBJECT LINE so I can give your question highest priority over non-urgent questions. If you don't do this, then I can't guarantee timely assistance!

For all the best, most accurate rabbit health, care and behavior information, visit The House Rabbit Society.

Experience

I have been rescuing domestic and wild rabbits for more than 25 years. I have written articles for many rabbit rescue publications, as well as for the veterinary journal, Exotic DVM. I own EtherBun, the internet's largest listserve dedicated to health, care, and behavior of domestic rabbits.

Organizations
Houserabbit Adoption, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (H.A.R.E., Inc.) president National House Rabbit Society (Board member)

Publications
Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide

Education/Credentials
Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English

Awards and Honors
Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)

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