New rabbit has serious 'dandruff'

[bondenwong]

I just brought home a rabbit from a shelter. The manager did let me know he's got some dandruff, but now I've got a closer look at home I can see the rabbit's got a problem that needs to be fixed. I've never had a rabbit with mites before, but my first impression is that this looks like walking dandruff. There are large flakes of skin in a rough line along his back and there are a couple of small areas that are missing fur. I'd appreciate anyone's input regarding what the cause might be and any suggestions for treatment. By the way, is it possible to add photos here?

 

[InspectorMorse]

Sounds like Cheyletiella mites

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Parasitic/furmite/fur_mite.htm

This link explains how to upload photos

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?475766-Tutorial-How-to-Post-Photos

 

[kattymieoww]

My bridge boy Rio had mites despite being a total house rabbit.He had to have a series of Ivermectin injections from the vet,his wifebun Cleo was treated too though she did not show any signs .The vet stated they can be brought in on hay.I started to freeze their hay for 24 hours before giving it to them,they never had any further infestations after that.

 

[Shimmer]

I would get him checked out by a vet and get appropriate treatment. Mites are common in the environment, but wouldn't normally cause an issue for rabbits, or be visible. As he's just come from a shelter, it may be a housekeeping issue, but could also be a health issue. Rabbits that are run down or can't groom properly may not be able to keep on top of the mites, and you then notice the infestation - hence getting a health check, and confirmation of the mites (probably via a skin scraping). Treatment for mites is usually 3 doses of ivermectin over a period of a few weeks (sorry, can't remember the gap between doses) and that should clear it, if there is no underlying condition.

 

[a reader of books]

I'd recommend getting him to the vet, too. Also, I read in your other thread that you want to bond him to Albert. Please wait until this bunny has completely recovered before you introduce them. Stress could just make it worse.

 

[Clair071085]

I’m so sorry to hear about your rabbits health issue. Iv done a post as one of mine has the same thing. I only took them both on as my mum was neglecting them in some ways. Xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Clair071085]

Sounds like Cheyletiella mites

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Parasitic/furmite/fur_mite.htm

This link explains how to upload photos

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?475766-Tutorial-How-to-Post-Photos

This is exactly what one of the rabbits I just took on from my mum has. Iv been researching online & the poor thing is coved in it & has so many bald spots it’s awful but other girl has no sign xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[InspectorMorse]

This is exactly what one of the rabbits I just took on from my mum has. Iv been researching online & the poor thing is coved in it & has so many bald spots it’s awful but other girl has no sign xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I saw your thread about your Bunny. A Vet check is definitely needed to treat the mites and to try to identify any underlying condition that may be the primary cause. Once she has the course of treatment and loses some weight I am sure she will feel much more comfortable. She may need some Dental treatment too, she may not have been fed the best diet in her previous home.

 

[Clair071085]

I saw your thread about your Bunny. A Vet check is definitely needed to treat the mites and to try to identify any underlying condition that may be the primary cause. Once she has the course of treatment and loses some weight I am sure she will feel much more comfortable. She may need some Dental treatment too, she may not have been fed the best diet in her previous home.

Hello, I phoned the vets they were registered at & all they can provide is spot on treatment. It was a joke to be honest & I said so this is the same stuff you can buy at pets at home basically & they said yes. They don’t even have a licence to order the injections in for treatment & know nothing. I now need to find a vet who will. I’m not paying for spot on when that won’t do it & I can but myself. I do hope I find a vet because she needs proper treatment. iPhones another but couldn’t get through so will try again tomo. Iv learnt more on the short time Iv been on this forum than what a vet would know where I live. I’m so angry at the vets & they had the cheek to say we are only a small animal practice!! That’s funny isn’t us as rabbits are small animals. As soon as o find a vet who knows what they are doing I will get them in. I’m not paying money for nothing xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[joey&boo]

Clair my elderly bun was treated with invectermin solution by my v experienced rabbit vet, I don't think its a worrying treatment path. My rabbit specialist (now retired) discussed the spot-on treatments with me, the issue then was the strength (but this was years ago & maybe thats changed). I agree that you need a vet you feel confident in though, especially as mites only get unmanageable when there is another health problem going on & that needs investigating. Maybe if you started a thread looking for a rabbit savvy vet in your area some members might have ideas . Good luck

 

[Clair071085]

Clair my elderly bun was treated with invectermin solution by my v experienced rabbit vet, I don't think its a worrying treatment path. My rabbit specialist (now retired) discussed the spot-on treatments with me, the issue then was the strength (but this was years ago & maybe thats changed). I agree that you need a vet you feel confident in though, especially as mites only get unmanageable when there is another health problem going on & that needs investigating. Maybe if you started a thread looking for a rabbit savvy vet in your area some members might have ideas . Good luck

Hello, sorry I should have said the vet said they don’t stock invermectin solution or I would have done that. They do another spot on but I asked is that basically like the stuff you buy at the pet shop & they said yes it. That was the head vet I spoke with. She wasn’t even that experienced. Xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Clair071085]

Hello, sorry I should have said the vet said they don’t stock invermectin solution or I would have done that. They do another spot on but I asked is that basically like the stuff you buy at the pet shop & they said yes it. That was the head vet I spoke with. She wasn’t even that experienced. Xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They said it’s basically same strength as store bought stuff & Iv already got that although not used incase I do find another vet who has stuff with invermectin in it. They said that’s just for large animals like cows & they are only allowed that & that they were only a small animal practice. I said well a rabbit is a small animal so I’m not paying for treatment like stuff I can buy myself which she’s to far gone for. It’s a bad infestation she’s been left for years with it. I took them because they were being neglected & it’s not right xx


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk