The spectre of flystrike

[RWAF]

Vets are calling the RWAF Helpline this week saying that they are dealing with a distressing number of cases of Flystrike. In many cases the rabbits don't make it, and those who do have a horribly painful process to endure as the maggots eat their bodies.

This is a preventable condition.

* Please check your rabbit's bottom AT LEAST once and preferably more often EVERY DAY, especially in this warm weather.
* Ensure the diet is correct (85% hay, 10% greens, 5% pellets) so that there aren't intestinal upsets resulting in dirty bottoms
* Keep bedding scrupulously clean
* Ensure your rabbits aren't overweight, so that it's easy for them to clean themselves.
* Ask your vet to prescribe products such as Rearguard.

If you do find that your rabbit looks uncomfortable, please check him at once for maggots and if you find any get him to the vet IMMEDIATELY. This is a medical emergency that cannot wait. Do not try to wash them off. Fur will need to be clipped and wet fur clogs the clipper blades. You can pick off any maggots you can see with tweezers.

For further advice and ideas on prevention, please see our leaflet here
http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/leaflet_pdfs/flystrike_sep_05.pdf
and also this article
http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/Flystrikedontgetcaughtout.pdf

 

[daisyandoliver]

Oh gosh.. I am scared. My buns are at home with my dad so I am kind of nervous.. I won't be home until Tuesday. My Netherland Dwarf has issues with keeping her bum clean!

 

[Imbrium]

oooh, thanks! I didn't know there was a preventative medicine for it. I'll definitely ask my vet 'cause I'm really paranoid about flystrike - I remember a bunny I had as a kid (like 20 years ago) having a fly lay eggs on its shoulder and it was a pretty terrifying experience for us and the bunny (luckily, we got him to a vet in time).

I had a fly get in my house last week and tried to see where it went but lost track of it... freaked out and went around the house searching for it until I finally found and annihilated the little bugger so it couldn't get at my bunnies!

 

[RWAF]

I don't know whether it's available in the US or not. The brand name is what we have in the UK.

This is the first page of information about it. Scroll right for subsequent pages. http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Novartis_Animal_Health_UK_Ltd/Rearguard/-28334.html