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Does moulting lower immune system (mites/ lice) ?

elaine84

elaine84

Warren Scout
I have 4 house rabbits who are all moulting, and 2 of the buns have 'salt and pepper' moving specks on their fur :'(
I think they're some kind of mites from the hay (I've been told rabbits don't get lice?) but I don't know why only 2 of them have them. I've read their immune systems could be down if mites are showing - does moulting cause this? Do I need to buy different hay or will there always be mites and I can only see them because they've got out of control due to lower immunity?
I don't understand how immunity keeps mites under control anyway?
My rabbits have 8 different types of hay so it's going to be a pain knowing which caused it!!
 
elaine84 said:
I have 4 house rabbits who are all moulting, and 2 of the buns have 'salt and pepper' moving specks on their fur :'(
I think they're some kind of mites from the hay (I've been told rabbits don't get lice?) but I don't know why only 2 of them have them. I've read their immune systems could be down if mites are showing - does moulting cause this? Do I need to buy different hay or will there always be mites and I can only see them because they've got out of control due to lower immunity?
I don't understand how immunity keeps mites under control anyway?
My rabbits have 8 different types of hay so it's going to be a pain knowing which caused it!!
Click to expand...

Moulting can make the Bunny a bit 'run down'. If the Rabbits do have mites they will need treatment. So a Vet consult is needed.

Some additional information here :

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...res that,rabbits skin are called Cheyletiella.

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Parasitic/furmite/fur_mite.htm
 
Moulting is a stressful time for Bunnies so it could cause them to come out with Mites. Will your Vet see them? I have never had a problem with hay. Good luck.
 
Thank you for your replies and the links. Yes they’re booked in at the vets. I’m wondering if I need to throw away all my hay and buy elsewhere, or if the mites will appear from any hay as it’s due to them being run down instead? Seeing as my other two buns aren’t showing any symptoms.
 
elaine84 said:
Thank you for your replies and the links. Yes they’re booked in at the vets. I’m wondering if I need to throw away all my hay and buy elsewhere, or if the mites will appear from any hay as it’s due to them being run down instead? Seeing as my other two buns aren’t showing any symptoms.
Click to expand...

I honestly wouldn't throw away good quality hay. I'd just make sure that the Vet gives both symptomatic Bunnies a thorough health check. You are likely to need to treat the asymptomatic Rabbits too. Good luck :)
 
Ok thank you :) It's just confusing as it says treat the environment too but surely if they're in the hay they'll reinfect the buns? Will also see what the vet says x
 
elaine84 said:
Ok thank you :) It's just confusing as it says treat the environment too but surely if they're in the hay they'll reinfect the buns? Will also see what the vet says x
Click to expand...

In theory it's true that the hay could be a vector of transmission, but IME it has never been the case. If you would feel happier disposing of your current hay and buying in new then I would do so. But there's no guarantee that the new batch will not be a vector of transmission too. Personally I do think that Cheyletiella mites only becomes a problem for a Rabbit who is in some way health compromised x
 
Just thought I’d update. Buns all went to the vet and had checkups. All totally fine (touch wood) just moulting, ivermectin has got rid of all the mites. Vet thinks it was probably moulting that caused the stress / mites.
 
elaine84 said:
Just thought I’d update. Buns all went to the vet and had checkups. All totally fine (touch wood) just moulting, ivermectin has got rid of all the mites. Vet thinks it was probably moulting that caused the stress / mites.
Click to expand...

Hi again, thanks for the update and I am glad to hear that all is well for the Bunnies now :D
 
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