What is the cause of ear canker in rabbits?

Ear canker in rabbits is primarily caused by ear mites, which are small parasites that infest the ear canal and skin of the rabbit's ears. These mites create irritation, leading to inflammation and the production of wax, which can cause the characteristic symptoms associated with ear canker, such as scratching at the ears, head shaking, and discharge.

While stress, improper diet, and genetic defects can lead to various health issues in rabbits, they are not direct causes of ear canker. Stress might weaken a rabbit's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections or infestations, but it does not directly lead to ear canker. An improper diet can result in other health problems, but it doesn’t specifically lead to ear mite infestations or ear canker. Similarly, genetic defects may predispose a rabbit to certain conditions, but ear canker is not attributed to inherited traits. Therefore, ear mites are recognized as the primary and most direct cause of this particular issue in rabbits.