by Darian Peters

Created on: November 30, 2010

Rabbits, like other pets, can be afflicted by various different types of common parasites. These are typically species of fleas, flies, and mites. These creatures can make life very uncomfortable for a rabbit with itching, bleeding, and hair loss amongst the symptoms to look out for. There are general-purpose anti-parasitic medications that are available for the treatment of parasites in rabbits. There are also preventative steps that can be taken using regular checks and keeping healthy rabbits away from infected animals and other areas where the parasites may live.

One of the common parasites found in rabbits is mites. There are several different species that could cause them a problem. One of the common ones is cheyletiella. This is also known as walking dandruff because of the appearance of the creatures when they are observed walking over the skin of the animal. They can cause symptoms including dandruff, itching, bleeding, and scabbing. The rabbit may bite or scratch itself as a result of this problem and open a wound. This may become infected by some secondary infection. 

Another common rabbit parasite is fleas. One species of flea that rabbits may catch is the rabbit flea, Spiloscylla cuniculi. But they are also susceptible to infestation by the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Indeed it is the cat flea that is the more common of the two. Fleas can cause symptoms such as itchiness and the rabbit is going to be rather uncomfortable.

A third type of common parasites found on rabbits is flystrike. This is where a fly species lays its eggs in rabbit faeces. The maggots eat their way out and then board the rabbit. They feed from the rabbits skin and can even burrow down into the abdomen of the animal. This can be a very painful and dangerous condition that can cause death.

There are treatments available to deal with all of the various different types of parasites. One common form of treatment is the use of a general anti-parasitic drug. Medicated shampoos are another option. There are also preventative steps that should be used to help minimise the chances of infestation of a rabbit by a parasite. Certainly healthy rabbits should be kept away from other animals areas thought to be infested. Treating an environment itself can also be helpful to prevent reinfestation. Flystrike can be prevented using fly repellent that could be painted on to the rabbit such as Rearguard.

Learn more about this author, Darian Peters.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.