Lop eared rabbit, a breed predisposed to middle ear disease.

Middle ear disease in lop rabbits can present with subtle or non-specific clinical signs, making timely diagnosis challenging in practice. Their unique ear anatomy predisposes them to debris accumulation, diverticulum formation and secondary infection, which can progress silently before significant clinical signs develop.

Presentation can be subtle or advanced, ranging from reduced appetite and lethargy to facial nerve paralysis, head tilt and facial swelling. Diagnosis is frequently complicated by ear canal stenosis, making imaging a critical part of assessment and case planning.

This specialist guide, written by RCVS Specialist Marie Kubiak, outlines how to recognise key clinical signs, interpret imaging findings and understand when surgical intervention is required, including prognosis and post-operative considerations.

X-Ray showing bilateral sclerosis of bulla bone and reduced air filling, with osteolysis of the rostro-lateral aspect of the left bulla.
In this case there is bilateral sclerosis of bulla bone and reduced air filling, with osteolysis of the
rostro lateral aspect of the left bulla.

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