singapore rabbits

scaly ears in rabbits, photo treatment guide

updated 19 May 2026

Singapore’s heat and humidity, averaging 28 to 32°C with 70 to 90% humidity year-round, create ideal conditions for parasites to thrive. ear mites are one of the most common reasons rabbit owners in Singapore notice their rabbit shaking its head, scratching its ears, or developing thick crusty buildup inside the ear canal. if you live in an HDB flat and your rabbit shares space with other small animals, the risk of transmission is higher than many owners realise. this guide walks you through identifying scaly ears, understanding the cause, and getting the right treatment before the condition worsens.

what scaly ears look like

in the early stages, you may notice light grey or white flakes inside the ear canal, similar to dandruff. your rabbit might shake its head occasionally or paw at its ear.

as the infestation progresses, the flakes thicken into dry, crusty plaques. these can look like layered scales or crumbling pale debris. the texture is different from normal dark earwax, which is soft and waxy in small amounts.

in severe cases, the crusts can extend out of the ear canal onto the outer ear flap. the skin underneath may look red, raw, or inflamed. your rabbit may be in visible discomfort, scratching frequently or holding its head tilted to one side.

important: a tilted head (head tilt or torticollis) is a separate medical emergency. see an exotic vet immediately if your rabbit cannot hold its head upright.

do not try to peel or scrape the crusts off. removing the plaques without treatment causes pain and can tear the delicate ear lining.

what causes scaly ears

the most common cause is ear mites, specifically Psoroptes cuniculi. these microscopic parasites burrow into the ear canal and trigger an inflammatory response. the body produces excess skin cells and fluid in response, which dries into the characteristic crusty buildup.

Psoroptes cuniculi spreads through direct contact between rabbits. if you have more than one rabbit in your HDB flat, assume both are affected if one shows symptoms. the mites can also survive on bedding, grooming tools, and enclosure surfaces for a short period.

less common causes of scaly or flaky ears include:

  • bacterial or fungal infections, which often appear alongside mites or as a secondary infection after scratching breaks the skin
  • dermatophytosis (ringworm), a fungal condition that can cause scaling on the ear edges and face
  • environmental irritants, including dusty hay or low-quality bedding that causes skin sensitivity

only a vet can confirm the exact cause. ear mites are diagnosed by examining a swab under a microscope, which most exotic vets in Singapore can do in-clinic.

how to check your rabbit’s ears at home

use natural light or a small torch. hold your rabbit securely on a flat surface or have a second person assist. gently fold the ear back to see inside the canal.

signs that something is wrong:

  • thick pale grey, white, or yellowish crust, distinct from small amounts of dark waxy discharge
  • redness or broken skin inside the ear or on the ear flap
  • strong or unusual smell coming from the ear
  • your rabbit flinching, pulling away, or vocalising when you touch the ear area

normal rabbit ears should be clean, pale pink inside, and free of significant debris. a tiny amount of dark wax is usually fine. heavy buildup of any colour, or any crust formation, warrants a vet visit.

photograph the ears before your appointment. a short video of your rabbit shaking or scratching its head is also useful for the vet.

treatment options in Singapore

ear mites in rabbits are treated with antiparasitic medication. the two most commonly used in Singapore are ivermectin (injectable or topical) and selamectin (topical, applied to the skin at the back of the neck). your vet will advise which is appropriate based on your rabbit’s weight, age, and health.

note: never use ivermectin or selamectin without a vet prescription. dosing errors in small animals can be fatal.

as of 2026, a typical consultation at an exotic vet in Singapore costs between SGD 50 and SGD 90. a single treatment or injectable dose may add SGD 20 to SGD 60 on top of the consultation fee. follow-up visits are usually recommended two to three weeks later to confirm the mites are cleared.

if a secondary bacterial infection is present, your vet may also prescribe ear drops or oral antibiotics.

do not use:

  • over-the-counter ear cleaning drops not formulated for rabbits
  • olive oil or mineral oil to loosen the crusts, unless your vet specifically advises this
  • cat or dog ear mite treatments, which are frequently toxic to rabbits

treat all rabbits in your home at the same time, even if only one shows symptoms. clean and replace bedding, disinfect the enclosure, and wash fabric items your rabbit uses regularly.

prevention in SG’s humid climate

Singapore’s humidity accelerates parasite lifecycles. a few habits reduce your rabbit’s risk significantly.

buy from reputable sources. newly acquired rabbits should be examined by an exotic vet before being introduced to other pets. adopt from shelters or breeders who routinely vet-check their animals.

quarantine new rabbits. keep any new rabbit separate from your existing pets for at least two to three weeks and watch for any signs of illness, skin issues, or behavioural changes.

maintain a clean, well-ventilated enclosure. in an HDB flat, ensure your rabbit’s living area has good airflow. stagnant, humid air near the floor encourages mites and fungi. a small fan aimed past (not directly at) the enclosure helps with air circulation. do not rely solely on AC if the rabbit’s area is enclosed or has poor airflow.

use dust-extracted hay. dusty hay irritates the ears and respiratory tract. brands with dust-extracted processing, such as Oxbow Timothy Hay, are widely available in Singapore pet shops and reduce this risk.

schedule annual wellness checks. exotic vets in Singapore are less common than cat or dog clinics. finding one and building a relationship before an emergency matters. a yearly checkup catches ear mite infestations early, before crusts form.

what owners often get wrong

1. confusing ear wax with mites. a small amount of dark, waxy discharge is normal. many owners panic unnecessarily and clean the ears too aggressively, which strips protective wax and can cause irritation. the distinction is texture and volume. heavy pale crust is not normal wax.

2. trying to remove the crusts at home. the dried plaques from an ear mite infestation are attached to inflamed skin. pulling them off causes bleeding and significant pain. treatment with antiparasitic medication softens and loosens them safely over days.

3. treating only the symptomatic rabbit. Psoroptes cuniculi spreads easily between rabbits in close contact. treating only the rabbit with visible symptoms while leaving a bonded partner untreated almost guarantees reinfestation within weeks.

4. using cat or dog parasite treatments. permethrin, a common ingredient in cat and dog flea products, is highly toxic to rabbits. even exposure to a treated dog or cat can harm a rabbit. always confirm that any product is specifically approved for use in rabbits, or prescribed by a vet who has examined your animal.

community-sourced information here is not veterinary advice. for any health concern see a licensed SG exotic vet.

community-sourced information, not veterinary advice. for medical issues, see a licensed SG exotic vet — start with our vet directory.

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