If you’ve noticed your rabbit tilting their head, scratching at their ears, or seeming less responsive than usual, you’re not alone in your concern. A comprehensive new study reveals that ear problems affect more than one in four pet rabbits—and if you have a lop-eared bunny, the risk is even higher.
This research, published in PLOS ONE, surveyed 551 pet rabbit owners across the UK to understand the prevalence and impact of ear conditions in domestic rabbits. The findings highlight a significant but often overlooked welfare issue that could be affecting your rabbit’s comfort and happiness right now.
Research Background
Despite rabbits being the third most popular pet in many countries, ear health in domestic rabbits has received surprisingly little scientific attention. Unlike dogs and cats, where ear problems are well-documented and widely discussed, rabbit ear conditions have remained largely unstudied—until now.
What makes this research particularly important is its focus on different ear conformations. The popularity of lop-eared rabbit breeds has grown dramatically over recent decades, but the health implications of these drooping ears haven’t been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to fill that critical knowledge gap.
Study Details
Researchers conducted a comprehensive online survey of UK rabbit owners, collecting detailed information about:
- Participants: 551 pet rabbit owners reporting on their rabbits’ ear health
- Assessment method: Owner-reported health histories and behavioral observations
- Ear conformations studied: Upright-eared rabbits, full lop-eared rabbits, and half-lop mixes
- Health outcomes measured: Veterinary diagnoses of ear infections, earwax buildup, and related conditions
- Behavioral impacts: Changes in responsiveness, play behavior, and overall quality of life
The survey captured both current health status and historical ear problems, providing a comprehensive picture of ear health across different rabbit breeds and ages.
Key Findings
Primary Results
The study revealed alarming statistics about rabbit ear health:
- 28.4% of pet rabbits had experienced ear infections or other ear conditions during their lifetime
- Lop-eared rabbits were approximately 2.5 times more likely to develop chronic ear problems compared to upright-eared rabbits
- 1 in 4 lop-eared rabbits had veterinary-diagnosed ear conditions, compared to 1 in 10 upright-eared rabbits
- Older rabbits showed increased risk, with age being a significant factor in ear problem development
Secondary Findings
The research also uncovered important behavioral and welfare impacts:
- Rabbits with ear problems were less responsive to sounds in their environment
- Affected rabbits showed reduced “binky” behavior (the joyful jumping that indicates rabbit happiness)
- Owners rated rabbits with ear conditions as having lower overall quality of life
- Many ear problems went unrecognized by owners initially, suggesting these conditions may be underdiagnosed
Implications for Pet Owners
What This Means for You
If you own a rabbit—especially a lop-eared breed—this research has immediate implications for your pet’s care:
For Lop-Eared Rabbit Owners: Your bunny faces significantly higher risk for ear problems. The study suggests that breeding for drooping ears may create narrow ear canals that trap wax and moisture, leading to infections and inflammation. Extra vigilance is essential.
For All Rabbit Owners: Even upright-eared rabbits can develop ear problems, and these conditions significantly impact quality of life. Regular ear monitoring should be part of your routine rabbit care.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Head tilting or holding head at an angle
- Scratching or pawing at ears
- Reduced responsiveness to sounds
- Less active or playful behavior
- Visible earwax or discharge
- Unpleasant odor from ears
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
This study emphasizes the importance of proactive veterinary care for rabbit ear health. Schedule a veterinary examination if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, or if your rabbit seems less responsive or playful than usual.
Regular preventive care is especially crucial for lop-eared rabbits. Consider including ear examinations in routine veterinary checkups, as many ear problems develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious to owners.
Study Limitations
While this research provides valuable insights, it does have some limitations to consider. The study relied on owner-reported health information, which may not capture all cases or provide the same diagnostic accuracy as veterinary examination. Additionally, the survey was conducted in the UK, so findings may not fully represent rabbit health patterns in other countries with different climates or breeding practices.
The research also focused primarily on owner observations of behavior and quality of life, rather than detailed clinical examinations. Future studies using otoscopic examination and other diagnostic tools could provide even more precise information about ear health in rabbits.
Bottom Line
This groundbreaking research reveals that ear problems affect more than one in four pet rabbits, with lop-eared breeds facing dramatically higher risk. These conditions aren’t just uncomfortable—they significantly impact your rabbit’s quality of life and happiness.
Take action now: Examine your rabbit’s ears regularly, watch for signs of discomfort or reduced responsiveness, and don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian if you notice any concerning changes. For lop-eared rabbit owners, consider more frequent veterinary checkups that include ear examinations.
The good news is that with proper attention and veterinary care, most ear problems can be treated effectively. Once ear pain is resolved, many owners report seeing their rabbits return to their normal, joyful behavior—including those happy “binky” jumps that indicate a truly content bunny.
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.