{"id":1533968,"date":"2025-05-23T10:23:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T08:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/diagnosis-of-otitis-in-rabbits\/"},"modified":"2025-10-02T10:54:03","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T08:54:03","slug":"diagnosis-of-otitis-in-rabbits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/diagnosis-of-otitis-in-rabbits\/","title":{"rendered":"Diagnosis of Otitis in Rabbits"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column width=&raquo;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&raquo;&raquo;]Ear diseases in rabbits are a common reason for presentation in small mammal practice.<br \/>\nUnfortunately, they are also often incidental findings during clinical examinations. In most cases, otitis refers to inflammation of one or more structures of the ear and, as in dogs and cats, can be categorised as otitis externa, otitis media, or otitis interna.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Causes<\/h2>\n<p>Age, sex, or husbandry conditions have little influence on the development of otitis, although lop-eared rabbits are commonly affected. Due to anatomical restrictions caused by the drooping ears, stenosis of the external auditory canal can occur, leading to an accumulation of cerumen in front of the eardrum.<\/p>\n<p>Restricted ventilation and increased moisture in the ear favour the development of otitis externa and possibly otitis media. Injuries, foreign bodies, ectoparasites, and ascending infections from the respiratory tract or teeth are further causes of otitis in rabbits.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>Different symptoms may be observed depending on the underlying cause:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cerumen build-up in the outer ear: <\/strong>possibly reduced activity and responsiveness due to sound dampening.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Otitis externa: <\/strong>head shaking, ear scratching, changes in the pinna (e.g. redness, warmth, discharge, swelling, bleeding), possibly <strong>aural diverticulosis <\/strong>(under the pinna), or a droopingear (in rabbits that normally have erect ears).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Otitis media: <\/strong>may present with head tilt, facial nerve paresis or Horner\u2019s syndrome<\/li>\n<li><strong>Otitis interna: <\/strong>may include the abovementioned symptoms, as well as rolling, reduced general condition and decreased feed intake<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Diagnostics<\/h2>\n<p>The ear examination includes a clinical examination, cytology, and, if necessary, bacteriological and mycological analyses of ear secretions (with antibiogram). If involvement of the middle or inner ear is suspected, additional imaging techniques such as X-rays or computed tomography are required. Other systemic infections are ruled out through blood tests, including differential blood count and antibody testing for <em>Encephalitozoon cuniculi<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Further details on ear examination, cytology, and bacteriological analysis are provided below.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Clinical examination<\/h2>\n<p>The ear examination starts with a thorough inspection and palpation of the outer ear and surrounding area (checking for scratch marks, injuries, diverticula, or skin changes).<\/p>\n<p>If the head is tilted, the eyelids and lips should always be examined carefully. Unilateral facial nerve palsy \u2014 indicated by contraction of the upper lip (Fig. 2), reduced eyelid closure, and\/or Horner\u2019s syndrome (miosis, ptosis, enophthalmos) \u2014 may suggest involvement of the middle or inner ear.<br \/>\nThe external auditory canal is examined using an otoscope or video endoscope. In a healthy ear, gently pulling the pinna upwards (Fig. 1) usually allows visualisation up to the eardrum (Fig. 3). If material is present in the ear canal, it is important to determine whether it is merely accumulated cerumen (white deeper inside, yellowish nearer the opening) with no signs of irritation, or whether there are signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, lesions, or liquefied secretions (Fig. 4). Potential primary causes like foreign bodies or ectoparasites should also be considered. Cytology helps in making this distinction.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Sampling<\/h2>\n<p>For proper sampling, an otoscope funnel, thin swabs (with transport medium), microscope slides, and cover glasses are required. Samples are usually taken from the external auditory canal in unsedated rabbits (middle ear samples are taken intra-operatively). Wrapping the animal in a towel (\u201cwrapping\u201d) helps to prevent defensive movements (Fig. 1).<\/p>\n<p>To ensure the sample is taken as deeply as possible, the swab is carefully inserted through the otoscope funnel to just before the eardrum and gently rotated. It is then smeared onto one or two slides for cytology and subsequently placed in the appropriate transport medium tube for culture if needed. Swab samples can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 24 hours (shipment without refrigeration is possible).<\/p>\n<p>It is always recommended to sample both ears \u2012 even, or especially, if only one ear is affected \u2012 to gain insight into the patient\u2019s normal ear microbiome (if needed, the samples can be spread side by side on the same slide) (Fig. 5)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Ear cytology<\/h2>\n<p>Cytology provides important information about the composition of the secretion (cerumen or pus) as well as potential primary causes such as ectoparasites, yeasts, and\/or increased bacterial numbers. For cytological preparation, the swab is gently rolled out in a thin layer on two slides. After air-drying, one slide is analysed under the microscope (condenser down, aperture closed, magnification 100\u2013400x) for ectoparasites. The second slide is stained &#8211; for example, with Diff-Quick\u00ae \u2012 and after air-drying, is also examined (magnification 100\u2013400x; 1000x with oil immersion, condenser up, diaphragm open)<\/p>\n<p>Cytology provides initial information about the type of secretion: uncoloured cerumen (Fig. 6) or clearly stained pus with DNA streaks (nuclear remnants of neutrophil granulocytes and keratinocytes), bacteria, or yeasts (Fig. 7).<\/p>\n<p>The amount of bacteria (cocci, rods) and yeasts (Malassezia) can also be assessed.<br \/>\nAn increased number of DNA streaks and bacteria or Malassezia throughout the preparation indicates an inflammatory process. Bacteria (always the same size and shape) should not be mistaken for staining artefacts. Only a few intact neutrophil granulocytes are typically found in rabbit ear preparations.<\/p>\n<p>Malassezia (Malassezia cuniculi) appears round in rabbits, varies in size, may form buds, and stains deep blue (Fig. 8).<\/p>\n<p>The cytological examination should be carried out prior to the initiation of therapy and repeated during follow-up. On the day of the check-up, no medication should be applied to the ear canal.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&raquo;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&raquo;&raquo;]<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<style type='text\/css'>\n\t\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='dt-gallery-container gallery galleryid-1533968 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-large'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 1:&lt;\/b&gt; Examination of the external auditory canal in rabbits using an otoscope\t&lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"1018\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Examination_of_external_auditory_canal_in_rabbits_using_otoscope.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"869\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Examination_of_external_auditory_canal_in_rabbits_using_otoscope-1024x869.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Examination of the external auditory canal in rabbits using an otoscope\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533818\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Examination_of_external_auditory_canal_in_rabbits_using_otoscope-1024x869.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Examination_of_external_auditory_canal_in_rabbits_using_otoscope-300x255.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Examination_of_external_auditory_canal_in_rabbits_using_otoscope-768x652.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Examination_of_external_auditory_canal_in_rabbits_using_otoscope.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533818'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 1:<\/b> Examination of the external auditory canal in rabbits using an otoscope\t<br><i>Image source: J. Hein<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 2:&lt;\/b&gt; Facial nerve palsy with right-sided contraction of the upper lip in a ram rabbit &lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"934\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facial_nerve_palsy_rabbit.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"797\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facial_nerve_palsy_rabbit-1024x797.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Facial nerve palsy with right-sided contraction of the upper lip in a ram rabbit\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533835\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facial_nerve_palsy_rabbit-1024x797.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facial_nerve_palsy_rabbit-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facial_nerve_palsy_rabbit-768x598.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Facial_nerve_palsy_rabbit.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533835'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 2:<\/b> Facial nerve palsy with right-sided contraction of the upper lip in a ram rabbit <br><i>Image source: J. Hein<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 3:&lt;\/b&gt; View of the eardrum of a rabbit (pars tensa - transparent, pars flaccida - woven)\t&lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"902\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_eardrum_rabbit.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"770\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_eardrum_rabbit-1024x770.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View of the eardrum of a rabbit (pars tensa - transparent, pars flaccida - woven)\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_eardrum_rabbit-1024x770.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_eardrum_rabbit-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_eardrum_rabbit-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_eardrum_rabbit.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533852'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 3:<\/b> View of the eardrum of a rabbit (pars tensa &#8211; transparent, pars flaccida &#8211; woven)\t<br><i>Image source: J. Hein<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 4:&lt;\/b&gt; View into a rabbit\u2019s outer ear filled with pus \u2014\nthe otherwise non-irritated outer ear suggests that the pus originates from the middle ear &lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"903\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_rabbit_ear_filled_with_pus.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_rabbit_ear_filled_with_pus-1024x771.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"View into a rabbit\u2019s outer ear filled with pus \u2014\nthe otherwise non-irritated outer ear suggests that the pus originates from the middle ear\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533869\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_rabbit_ear_filled_with_pus-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_rabbit_ear_filled_with_pus-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_rabbit_ear_filled_with_pus-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/View_rabbit_ear_filled_with_pus.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533869'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 4:<\/b> View into a rabbit\u2019s outer ear filled with pus \u2014\nthe otherwise non-irritated outer ear suggests that the pus originates from the middle ear <br><i>Image source: J. Hein<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 5:&lt;\/b&gt; Diff-Quick\u00ae stained slide showing smears from swabs of the right (R) and left (L) ears of a rabbit &lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"900\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smears_from_swabs_ears_rabbit.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smears_from_swabs_ears_rabbit-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Vetrino colorato con Diff-Quick\u00ae con strisci da tamponi prelevati dalle orecchie destra (R) e sinistra (L) di un coniglio\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smears_from_swabs_ears_rabbit-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smears_from_swabs_ears_rabbit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smears_from_swabs_ears_rabbit-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Smears_from_swabs_ears_rabbit.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533886'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 5:<\/b> Diff-Quick\u00ae stained slide showing smears from swabs of the right (R) and left (L) ears of a rabbit\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 6:&lt;\/b&gt; Microscopic image of cerumen in a rabbit\u2019s ear. The cerumen barely absorbs any stain (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae)\t&lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"904\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_cerumen.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_cerumen-1024x771.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Microscopic image of cerumen in a rabbit\u2019s ear. The cerumen barely absorbs any stain (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae)\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_cerumen-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_cerumen-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_cerumen-768x579.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_cerumen.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533903'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 6:<\/b> Microscopic image of cerumen in a rabbit\u2019s ear. The cerumen barely absorbs any stain (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae)\t<br><i>Image source: J. Hein<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 7:&lt;\/b&gt; Microscopic image of an ear swab from a rabbit with otitis externa, showing clearly stained DNA streaks, keratinocytes, occasional neutrophil granulocytes, and cocci (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae)\t&lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"898\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_stained_DNA_streaks.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"766\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_stained_DNA_streaks-1024x766.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Microscopic image of an ear swab from a rabbit with otitis externa, showing clearly stained DNA streaks, keratinocytes, occasional neutrophil granulocytes, and cocci (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae)\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_stained_DNA_streaks-1024x766.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_stained_DNA_streaks-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_stained_DNA_streaks-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_stained_DNA_streaks.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533937'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 7:<\/b> Microscopic image of an ear swab from a rabbit with otitis externa, showing clearly stained DNA streaks, keratinocytes, occasional neutrophil granulocytes, and cocci (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae)\t<br><i>Image source: J. Hein<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"rollover rollover-zoom dt-pswp-item\" title=\"\" data-dt-img-description=\"LABOKLIN aktuell | &lt;b&gt;Fig. 8:&lt;\/b&gt; Microscopic image of an ear swab from a rabbit with yeast otitis, showing numerous deep blue, round Malassezia cuniculi. The cerumen barely absorbs any dye (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae) &lt;br&gt;&lt;i&gt;Image source: J. Hein&lt;\/i&gt;\" data-large_image_width=\"1200\" data-large_image_height=\"895\"href='https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_Malassezia_cuniculi.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"764\" src=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_Malassezia_cuniculi-1024x764.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Microscopic image of an ear swab from a rabbit with yeast otitis, showing numerous deep blue, round Malassezia cuniculi. The cerumen barely absorbs any dye (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae)\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-1533920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_Malassezia_cuniculi-1024x764.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_Malassezia_cuniculi-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_Malassezia_cuniculi-768x573.jpg 768w, https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Microscopic_image_Malassezia_cuniculi.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-1533920'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<b>Fig. 8:<\/b> Microscopic image of an ear swab from a rabbit with yeast otitis, showing numerous deep blue, round Malassezia cuniculi. The cerumen barely absorbs any dye (magnification 100x, Diff-Quick\u00ae) <br><i>Image source: J. Hein<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&raquo;.vc_custom_1650632075890{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&raquo;][vc_column_text css=&raquo;&raquo;]<\/p>\n<h2>Cultural examination<\/h2>\n<p>For the bacteriological examination, swabs are plated on Columbia blood agar and Endo agar in the laboratory, then transferred to an enrichment broth. The plates are incubated aerobically at 36 \u00b1 1 \u00b0C and checked for bacterial growth after 16\u201324 and 48 hours. Following 16\u201324 hours of incubation at 36 \u00b1 1 \u00b0C, the enrichment broth is plated onto Columbia blood agar and Endo agar and incubated again under aerobic conditions for another 16\u201324 hours. Bacterial colonies that develop are identified or differentiated visually or by MALDI-TOF analysis.<\/p>\n<p>For the mycological examination, swabs are also streaked onto fungal selective agar and incubated at 36 \u00b1 1 \u00b0C for up to 7 days. Fungal growth is identified either macroscopically, microscopically, or via MALDI-TOF.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Ear microbiome<\/h2>\n<p>The middle ear is germ-free when intact. Even in a healthy state, the outer ear contains a small number of mixed flora, which are part of the physiological skin microbiome. These include <em>Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Bacillus spp.<\/em>, and individual <em>Malassezia spp<\/em>. (Reuschel 2018, Galuppi et al. 2020).<br \/>\nWhen environmental conditions change or disease develops, there is often an increase in Gramnegative pathogens and anaerobes.<br \/>\nIn two recent German studies, up to 55 bacterial species from 12 families were isolated (Hein et al. 2021), with S. aureus (30%) being the most frequently detected, followed by <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, S. haemolyticus, Klebsiella oxytoca, <\/em>and <em>Pasteurella spp. <\/em>(Reuschel 2018, Hein et al. 2021).<\/p>\n<p>Up to 50% of ear bacteriological investigations yield negative results despite macroscopic evidence of disease, either due to superficial sampling of pus or prior treatment. Ideally, no medication \u2014 including ear cleaners or systemic antibiotics \u2014 should have been administered for at least 5 days prior to sampling.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">To ensure successful cultivation and reliable results, the sample must be collected as deeply as possible and free from contamination, ideally before treatment begins.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Severe otitis can often be prevented through early detection and targeted treatment. Otoscopic examination and cytology are the initial diagnostic steps.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em>Dr Corinna Hader, Dr Jutta Hein<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr bgcolor=\"e51e1e\">\n<td colspan=\"2\" width=\"334\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>Our<\/strong> <strong>services<\/strong> <strong>related<\/strong> <strong>to<\/strong> <strong>this<\/strong> <strong>topic<\/strong><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>#174<\/p>\n<p>#204<\/td>\n<td>Ectoparasites (microscopic)<\/p>\n<p>Cytology<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>#150<\/p>\n<p>#1061<\/p>\n<p>#156<\/p>\n<p>#725<\/td>\n<td>Bacteriology (aerobic)<\/p>\n<p>Bacteriology (aerobic + anaerobic)<\/p>\n<p>Bacteriology + Mycology<\/p>\n<p>+ Antibiogram if necessary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>#1175<\/p>\n<p>#725<\/td>\n<td>Bacteriology+ Mycology+ Ectoparasites (microscopic, cultural, bacteriological+ mycological)<\/p>\n<p>+ Antibiogram<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&raquo;vc_default&raquo; gap=&raquo;10&#8243; equal_height=&raquo;yes&raquo; css=&raquo;.vc_custom_1713769814380{margin-top: 30px !important;}&raquo;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&raquo;&raquo;]<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Further reading<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<h6><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Reuschel M. Untersuchungen zur Bildgebung des Kaninchenohres mit besonderer Ber\u00fccksichtigung der Diagnostik einer Otitis bei unterschiedlichen Kaninchenrassen [Dissertation]; Hannover: Stiftung Tier\u00e4rztliche Hochschule Hannover; 2018.<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n<h6><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Hein J, Maier H, Meyer C. Kaninchenohren &#8211; Keimspektrum und Resistenzverhalten der h\u00e4ufigsten Erreger 2015 \u2013 2019. [Poster] 3. Augsburger Thementage der DGK-DVG, online; 22.-24.01.2021. Abstract Kleintierpraxis 2021;4(66):243-247.<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n<h6><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Galuppi R, Morandi B, Agostini S, Dalla Torre S, Caffara M. Survey on the Presence of Malassezia spp. in Healthy Rabbit Ear Canals. Pathogens. 2020 Aug 25;9(9):696. doi: 10.3390\/pathogens9090696.<\/strong><\/span><\/h6>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&raquo;vc_default&raquo; gap=&raquo;10&#8243; equal_height=&raquo;yes&raquo; content_placement=&raquo;middle&raquo; css=&raquo;.vc_custom_1733824624772{margin-top: 30px !important;}&raquo;][vc_column width=&raquo;1\/6&#8243; css=&raquo;.vc_custom_1733824634434{background-color: #E7E7E7 !important;}&raquo;][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&raquo;fa fa-solid fa-file-pdf&raquo; color=&raquo;custom&raquo; size=&raquo;xl&raquo; align=&raquo;center&raquo; css=&raquo;.vc_custom_1759393367971{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&raquo; custom_color=&raquo;#e51e1e&raquo; link=&raquo;url:https%3A%2F%2Flaboklin.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F10%2FDiagnosis_of_Otitis_in_Rabbits.pdf|target:_blank&raquo;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&raquo;5\/6&#8243; css=&raquo;.vc_custom_1733824644825{background-color: #E7E7E7 !important;}&raquo;][vc_column_text css=&raquo;.vc_custom_1759393391288{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&raquo;]<a href=\"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Diagnosis_of_Otitis_in_Rabbits.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Diagnosis of Otitis in Rabbits<\/strong><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ear diseases in rabbits are a common reason for presentation in small mammal practice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":1533818,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"%%post_excerpt%%","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-1533968","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-laboklin-aktuell","category-28","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1533968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1533968"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1533968\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1533978,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1533968\/revisions\/1533978"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1533818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1533968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1533968"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1533968"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laboklin.com\/no\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=1533968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}