Dandruff... mites?

[bunsforlife]

Oi this baby is keeping us on our toes!At least he is calming down in the aggression area. He stillgrunts and boxes, but he is learning that biting is NOT tolerated.

But...

I have noticed 'dandruff' on his black coat... and if he has it, then I am sure Guin does too.

Are there any safe over the counter mite treatments.. I rememberreading something about adding something to the water... but I cantfind the post!

They both appear to have white scabby bumps in random places rightagainst the skin around clumps of fur... but they arent like normalscabs. It looks more like dry skin that is flakingoff.

They both maybe going for a vet visit shortly, but I'd rather notunless it is urgent because I havent started my new job yet and moneyis very tight!

 

[Carolyn]

Hi Bunsforlife,

Kitten flea powder works on rabbits for fleas.Dryskin can be a sign of mites. Is it flaky? Lookslike dandruff?

At least three ivermectin 1.87% (it'sa horseworming paste that can be purchased at a feed store for between$12-$20) pea-sized amount on the forepaws where they can lickit off at 7 to 10 day intervals three times would help clear of anybugs. Be sure not to overdose. It's important to finish thecourse of treatment even if the condition seems to have disappeared.Although ivermectin isn't licensed for use in rabbits, it has beenwidely used for a number of years without many reportedproblems. That said, you might want to check withyour vet first. I know many breeders and pet owners that haveused it with great success.


If it is dry skin, there is an oatmeal shampoo that is made forrabbits.Should you decide to go that route, thewater should be lukewarm and best not to get the rabbit's head wet atall. Youhave to be careful when bathing the littleone because theyare verysensitive when it comestohot/coldchanges. Although I don'tnormally say shampoo them, if the problem persists, it's anoption. Make sure you use a hairdryer on them to completelydry them down to their skin.


Mineral Oil can be used for ear mites, but is verymessy.It clogs their pores and they suffocate, butI wouldn't suggest using it. I've done it and poor Tucks hada heck of a time getting that oil off of his fur.

Don't waste any time getting rid of the pests. I definitely think it's wise to treat both.


-Carolyn

 

[Carolyn]

Good website on Mitesis:http://www.mybunny.org/info/mites.pdf

 

[bunsforlife]

Hard to tell on Guin, she being white andall. but Gir definitely has flakes that look like dandruff, Iremember reading that that is a sign of mites. Guin has whitescabs that look like dry skin patches, but no 'dandruff'loose. both of them have been itching more thenusual.

I think I might go check out that oatmeal shampoo. I do haveexperience bathing bunnies, my first bun needed a weekly butt bathbecause of his arthritis. But then again, I am going to getthe flea stuff too since I dont want to take any chances.

 

[Carolyn]

Let us know how it works out.



-Carolyn

 

[bunsforlife]

Well the buns got thier first dose of Ivermictin,and strangely enough... they seem to like it. I put a smallerdab on Gir then I did for Guin, no more then the amount of toothpaste Iwould put on a brush for a little toddler.

Does this stuff have to be refridgerated now that it is open?

And I think I got your directions right... in a week give them anotherdose and then another in another week, or do all three doses comewithin the 7-10 day period.

 

[Buck Jones]

I don't believe it has to be refrigerated, atleast I never have, and it still seemed effective. Nice thingis it treats for mites, worms and other blood sucking critters at thesame time. Some people give it as a preventive measure on aroutine basis. I, myself, subscribe to the, "If it's notbroke, don't fix it," precept.

The intstructions you reiterated are correct. Repeat treamentwithin 7-10 days for another two times after the first one.The repetition is to eradicate any new mites that hatchedfrom nits since the previous treatment. The ivermectindoesn't eliminate the nits, just live critters. Threetreatments insure you interrupt the breeding cycle of the mites and nomore nits will exist.

That tube of horse worming paste you have in your possession shouldlast you a long, long time for rabbits. Some people inject aless potent form intraveneously to accomplish the same thing, vet's forexample, but the cost of the minimal quantity of the liquid form one isable to purchaseis prohibitive to pet owners, although somebreeders find it cost efficient for treating their whole herds.

Beats paying a vet $20- $60.00 three times. One breeder, whomI highly respect, suggests it is almost impossible to overdose a rabbitwith Ivermectin and supported his contention with some statistical dataand reports. Our own, Pam Nock, has stated,however, that it is possible for some buns to have adverse reactionsand/or overdose. I suspect the "toothpaste" dab will work outjust fine.

Buck

 

[bunsforlife]

Good to hear! The vet noticed the'dandruff' on Gir and mentioned the paste. Dont I wish sheaccepted rabbit clients on a full time basis! I will have totalk with her on Wednesday and see if she could make a specialcondition for me. She handled Gir no nonsense and checkedeverything. my other vet I like, but this one just gave methe 'I am a bunny person' vibe.

I added the paste to my bunny ****oo box, and will finish off thosetreatments over the next month. At least the buns seem toenjoy the taste of it, they came looking for more lol.

And yes, buying the paste and administering it myself is a lot cheaper,but I will keep my eyes open for any adverse effects. Just tobe safe =)

Thank you Carolyn and Buck for the info! What a wealth ofinformation this forum is. So at least that is ONE lessproblem to worry about... now to worry about the spraying of Gir...