Bunny has mites

[Spitfire!]

The last time I posted here was for tips on getting my mom to switch her bunny off parrot food. That endeavor was successful, but now her bunny might have mites.

Apparently, Scarlet is itchy and is losing fur on her back. She lives outside so there's ample opportunity for her to get mites. My mom already threw away all the old bedding and replaced it. She's going to try to get Scarlet to the vet but she's going through a very tough time at the moment and it would be best if there was a way to treat the mites at home for now and go to the vet in a few weeks. Scarlet is also not a particularly friendly rabbit and she would be incredibly stressed by a vet visit and likely try biting and kicking everyone.

Is there a safe home treatment for mites in rabbits? I know Revolution is good for it and she might be able to get some if the cats have been to the vet recently enough. How should she treat the outdoor area? Scarlet has a fairly large enclosed area with a hutch and she gets the run of the entire yard at night.

Also, are rabbit mites transmissible to other animals? There are 2 dogs and 2 cats there as well.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Call your vet or any rescue organization and ask them these same questions you posted. There is a flea/tic treatment that can be used, but don't remember it as mine are all indoor and were treated by the vet before being put in with the "fluffle".

 

[Spitfire!]

Her rabbit has never been to the vet so she doesn't yet have a rabbit-friendly vet she can ask. I live quite a distance away and I can't ask my vet because they won't answer any questions without examining the animal first.

I've read some conflicting information on using ivermectin and whether it should be injected or given orally. The horse paste is affordable but dosing is a bit confusing.

 

[JBun]

Revolution(selamectin) can be used to treat mites in rabbits. Generally the dose of 18mg/kg is used, but lower doses have also been used successfully. I would use Revolution over ivermectin when possible as it's a bit safer, and easier as it usually only requires one application. If using ivermectin, DO NOT use the paste. It's meant for very large animals and OD's in rabbits have occurred when people have tried using it. I've used the liquid injectable ivermectin in the past, but I give it orally(syringe, no needle) and not by injection. Correct dose calculations are extremely important when using ivermectin or an OD can occur and cause toxicity. There are also some rabbits that are sensitive to ivermectin, particularly some blue eyed whites, dutch, and vienna marked/carrier rabbits.
http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Parasitic/furmite/fur_mite.htm
http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Parasitic/Cheyletiellosis.htm (revolution(selamectin) dosing info)

I'm not sure there's anything you can do with an outdoor environment besides removing any loose bedding, shavings, straw, or leaf piles in the area.

The fur mite that affects rabbits is mostly host specific, but it can sometimes affect dogs and cats.

 

[Spitfire!]

Revolution from the vet is the goal. I found a rabbit friendly vet in case their regular vet doesn't do rabbits. The main concern (beside actually getting to the vet) is Scarlet attacking everyone or having a heart attack. She's going to ask the vet about a sedative when she makes an appointment and see if a house call is possible to minimize stress. No one knows what kind of rabbit Scarlet is. She's grey, fluffy, slightly smaller than a cat, and has a serious attitude. She got out once and was found chasing the neighborhood cats down the street.

What about kitten flea powder for her main living area? I've seen it recommended on various sites. It would take a few boxes to cover the bunny run but it's doable.

Should she be kept on Revolution indefinitely if possible?

 

[Preitler]

No, I think it's enough when you use it when there are actual symptoms. There are different kind of mites, when my buck got some 2 treatments, 3 weeks apart (drop on) of Stronghold did the job, I did'nt even treat his cuddlebun or clean the house much (one of the more difficult things to do for me)

I do love rabbits with that kind of attitude , not the most easy pets at times, but whatever

 

[Spitfire!]

Such pretty bunnies!

Apparently, Scarlet held a grudge for 7 months when someone made her very angry.

My mom sent me a couple pictures of Scarlet's back. They're not great because my mom sucks at taking clear pictures and Scarlet doesn't stay still. She said the hairloss and scabs happened really fast. There wasn't any warning that something wasn't right.

 

[Spitfire!]

She made it to the vet! She was given Revolution and is supposed to get a second dose in 2 weeks. Apparently, she didn't even try to attack the vet. The vet also lectured my mom about the importance of getting her spayed, which is what I've been saying since she got Scarlet years ago.