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Fly strike care

Alicia

Alicia

Mama Doe
I'm looking after a rabbit and I checked her over yesterday and she had flystrike. Took her straight to the vets and fortunately there was just a small wound, vet removed maggots and shaved the area, and sprayed her with rearguard. When I picked her up he said to use a fly spray on her and sudocrem as well as keep her clean. The whole area looks quite inflamed, and she's still not cleaning herself well, she's quite overweight so I think that could be why. I'm giving her bum baths every time I go and sudocrem, I've been putting her in the run every day to get her moving around. Any more advice? I'm looking after her for 2 weeks, owner is aware and has asked me to keep doing what I'm doing but is there anything else I can do?
 
Alicia said:
I'm looking after a rabbit and I checked her over yesterday and she had flystrike. Took her straight to the vets and fortunately there was just a small wound, vet removed maggots and shaved the area, and sprayed her with rearguard. When I picked her up he said to use a fly spray on her and sudocrem as well as keep her clean. The whole area looks quite inflamed, and she's still not cleaning herself well, she's quite overweight so I think that could be why. I'm giving her bum baths every time I go and sudocrem, I've been putting her in the run every day to get her moving around. Any more advice? I'm looking after her for 2 weeks, owner is aware and has asked me to keep doing what I'm doing but is there anything else I can do?
Click to expand...

Personally I would have to bring her indoors. She will remain at very high risk in her current state. Whilst bathing her may be essential if she is getting soiled all the time, unless you completely dry her so that she is not even a bit damp, the wetness will increase the risk of further Flystrike. If it is impossible to bring her indoors then can you totally cover all of her accommodation with fly netting ? She will need checking numerous times a day too. Soiled bedding will need to be removed and litter trays etc will need cleaning twice a day.

Some more information here

http://www.rabbitawareness.co.uk/2014/06/19/flystrike-know-how-to-keep-your-rabbit-safe/

It sounds as though her diet may need attention if she is obese to the point of not being able to groom herself. She could have Dental problems too, which again can make self grooming a problem. Perhaps this is something you could speak with the Owner about. Maybe give him/her some information to read about what is a good diet for Rabbits

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-diet/hay-grass/

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-diet/greens-veg-herbs/

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-diet/rabbit-diet-water/

https://www.harcourt-brown.co.uk/ar...heets/recommended-diet-for-adult-rabbits/view
 
Flystrike is very painful. Rabbits who appear to have been caught in time and received appropriate vet attention can still go into shock and die days later.

I agree that it would help to bring her inside - both to minimise the risk of further exposure to flies, and to keep a close eye on her general behaviour, eating, drinking, wee and poo output. That way, you can pick up on any changes much more quickly and act appropriately. I would also be aware that Rearguard can reduce appetite, and that she may be depressed after this incident as well. Is she on any pain relief?

Well done on spotting it and getting it sorted so quickly. It's a truly awful condition.
 
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