What is ear canker caused by?

Ear canker is primarily caused by ear mites, which are tiny parasites that infest the ears of rabbits. These mites can lead to significant irritation and inflammation of the ear canal and the surrounding tissues. The presence of ear mites causes a range of symptoms, including excessive scratching, head shaking, and the production of dark, waxy discharge in the ears. This discharge can sometimes become foul-smelling if a secondary infection occurs.

Understanding that ear canker is associated with a parasitic infestation is important for both diagnosis and treatment. Effective management of ear canker usually involves veterinary intervention to eliminate the ear mites and alleviate the symptoms.

While other causes listed may lead to ear problems in rabbits, such as fungal infections or environmental irritants, those are not considered causes of ear canker specifically. Hence, ear mites are the primary contributor to this condition, which is why the correct answer highlights their role.