Flystrike is a common condition in rabbits, especially in the warmer weather. If not treated early, flystrike can sadly be fatal. Rabbits more at risk include those who are: overweight, live in dirty conditions, confined to small living areas and elderly rabbits with mobility issues. Flies are attracted to the warm, moist and dirty areas of rabbits to lay eggs, which results in hatching maggots literally eating the rabbit’s skin and underlying tissue.
Please contact us straight away if you notice any of the following:
Regular and effective parasite control is essential for the well-being of your pet. Fleas can cause major skin problems, while tapeworm or roundworm infestations can result in digestive upsets, they also pose a threat to human health. Lungworm is a potential risk in this area and if left untreated, can be fatal.
Recommended worming protocol
Fleas commonly cause itchiness and irritate your pets’ skin. They can also bite humans and carry tapeworms. Some pets are very allergic to fleas and it can cause severe skin damage.
Look out for black specks when you comb your pet, wipe the comb on a damp tissue–if the dirt on the tissue starts to bleed out, this means that it is flea dirt (as opposed to mud), and she/he has fleas.
Fleas can be caught from outside surroundings such as grass and vegetation, other animals (wild and domestic) and from things like carpets and upholstery.
As with most health care, prevention is better than cure, so it is important to use regular flea treatments. There are many products available, such as a liquid spot-on which can be applied to the skin every 4 weeks.
If you would like more advice please contact one of our Practices