Suppurative otitis media in the rabbit: prevalence, pathology, and microbiology.

The middle ears of 2001 young and 583 adult rabbits being slaughtered for human consumption were examined. Otitis media was found in 87 (4%) of the young rabbits, and in 188 (32%) of the adult rabbits. The condition was bilateral in 61% of the affected young rabbits and 70% of the affected adults. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from 60 (98%) of 61 affected young rabbits. The gross and microscopic lesions and secondary complications were similar to those described in children. Rupture of the tympanic membrane was observed in both affected young and affected adult rabbits.