Rabbit Parasites
@kristys_red_barn (71)
United States
July 30, 2007 4:10pm CST
I have a three year old bunny. A few months ago he got parasites and I gave him shots for it (I got them from the vet). Now the parasites are back. Why did they come back and how can I prevent it in the future? Is he lacking some kind of mineral or vitamin or am I feeding him something I shouldn't? Any help would be great, he is a beloved pet.
2 responses
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
30 Jul 07
To be able to tell you anything, I'd need to know what the parasites were (internal? external? worms? fleas? mites?) and what the shot was (ivermectin?).
What may have happened is that the rabbit either wasn't treated properly (sounds like the case here, because most parasites require multiple treatments) or the rabbit could have been reinfested upon arrival to the same habitat again.
@kristys_red_barn (71)
• United States
31 Jul 07
They were an internal prasite just under the skin that caused dandruff and hair loss. The vet gave three shots of ivermectin two weeks apart. We cleaned the hutch and everything in it with bleach water before putting him back in and also bought new food, hay and shavings.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
31 Jul 07
Ah ok, that would be mites. Technically, they're still referred to as external parasites. But yeah, they're just under the skin. Ivermectin should be given 7-10 days apart generally, so it might have been the time frame. But the other thing is, sometimes it takes more than 3 doses in a bad case. The good news is, you can also do ivermectin orally yourself if there is a feed store near you (using either horse paste or Ivomec 1% injectable solution). I think www.guinealynx.info also has rabbit dosing (not just guinea pig dosing) info now, but if not, there is probably a post there about it if you search (or just ask again and someone will know). I haven't had to dose a rabbit for mites in quite awhile, it's slightly different than dosing guinea pigs.
@kristys_red_barn (71)
• United States
31 Jul 07
Thanks. We are doing the second round of treatments right now and he seems to be feeling much better and his hair is growing back.
