Rabbit mites are a group of arachnids (yes, from the same family as spiders) that feed on dirt, mould, animals and plants. On your bun they live, feed and breed in your bun’s ears, fur and skin.
The most common types of rabbit mites are fur mites and ear mites. Mites are painful for your bun and if left untreated can result in serious damage, particularly ear mites which can lead to hearing loss.
Frontline Dog
Ear Mites – Symptoms
Scratching or itching of ears
Dark reddish brown crusty discharge from ears
Shaking of head
May be able to see the mites in your bunny’s ears amongst the discharge
Fur Mites – Symptoms
Flaky, dry skin
Patches or clumps of fur loss (shedding is more evenly distributed)
Dandruff in your bun’s fur
Sores on the back of your rabbit’s head
Treatment of Rabbit Mites
Traditionally mites in bunnies were treated with the anti-parasitic product Ivermectin however recently some vets have been treating both fur mites and ear mites with Revolution, which is an anti-parasitic product commonly used on cats and dogs. The active ingredient in Revolution is selamectin which is safe for rabbits in the correct dose provided you adhere to the following guidelines
Correct dosage is vital (see link to dosage chart below)
Ensure that your rabbit otherwise healthy before you use Revolution to treat either type of rabbit mites
Never use Frontline on your bunny. This is an entirely different product and can be fatal to your bun.
As with any kind of medical information on the internet, this is general advice only and is not meant as a replacement for your vet.
If you see symptoms such as a discharge from her ears, excessive itching/scratching or shaking her head then it’s always best to get her checked out by your rabbit-friendly vet before commencing any treatment. Rabbit mites are serious for your bun and definitely need to be checked out by a professional.
Rabbit Mites – Symptoms and Treatment of Rabbit Mites
Related posts:
- Ear Mites In Dogs-Diagnosis and Treatment
- How to Buy a Dwarf Rabbit
- Mites and Demodectic Mange
- Ear Mites in Pets
- Dogs With Mange-Causes and Cures
