Psoroptes cuniculi infestation in an Angora rabbit from Kashmir and its therapeutic management

Rabbits have become one of the most popular pets worldwide, prized for their social and friendly nature. However, they are susceptible to various parasitic diseases, including nematodosis, cestodiosis, coccidiosis, and ectoparasitic infestations such as ticks and mites. This case report describes ear canker in a 1-year-old female Angora rabbit, presented with signs of inappetence, dullness, pruritus, head shaking, and dry, crusty lesions on the inner side of the pinnae. A thorough examination of the ear was carried out followed by debridement to remove the crusts using forceps. Skin scrapings from the active lesion margins were taken, placed in 10% KOH and examined microscopically, confirming the presence of Psoroptes cuniculi infestation. It is for the first time, that the occurrence of P. cuniculi infestation in an Angora rabbit has been reported from Kashmir. The rabbit was treated with subcutaneous ivermectin at a dose of 400 µg/kg body weight, followed by a second dose after 2 weeks. Additionally, chlorpheniramine maleate at 0.4 mg/kg body weight was administered intramuscularly for 3 days as an adjunct therapy to alleviate pruritus. Significant clinical improvement was observed within 1 week, and the lesions were completely resolved after 1 month of treatment. This case highlights the successful management of P. cuniculi infestation in an Angora rabbit, with ivermectin proving effective in treating ear canker in this breed.