To spray or not to spray...

[Mia]

Hello everyone, long term member who luckily hasn't needed to post for a while re health advice.

My bunny Scootsy Collins is now 12 and for the first time has shown signs of fur mites. A visit to vets confirmed this and ivermectin or ivomectin ?? has been advised.
As my buns are always 100% free roam in my house there is alot of fur to hoover up (we hoover every day in high traffic areas) and I don't think hoovering will be quite enough. My vet was against any type of spray used on carpets etc.

1. My question is are you all of the same opinion?
2. I also saw some 100% natural sprays using essential oils, do these work??

Thank you for any advice you can give.

 

[Shimmer]

Mites are inevitable in the environment. They don't usually cause any issues with rabbits as they are generally groomed out and don't get the chance to become noticeable. When a rabbit can't groom properly, that's when the mites can proliferate in their fur. With older rabbits, it's often arthritis that means they can't reach all areas, or there could be dental issues, for instance.

Personally, I wouldn't use any room insecticides for mites on rabbits. The usual good hygiene methods ought to be enough to minimise their presence - I don't think you will ever be able to (or need to) remove them completely in a normal household setting. You just don't normally see them. If you think there are some areas that might need additional attention, then I would suggest steam cleaning rather than use any chemicals / oils / cleaning products.

Ivermectin will treat the current infestation and it may be an ongoing thing to treat as required, under the circumstances. Mites are not really a big health issue in themselves - just keep them under control and keep your rabbit happy. The other rabbits shouldn't be affected. Then look at ways you can help with the grooming, such as treating underlying conditions with the help of your vet (eg metacam for arthritis), and maybe increase the amount of grooming you do. Companion rabbits can also help with mutual grooming. At 12 years old, your rabbit is doing amazingly.

 

[SarahP]

I agree.

In the unlikely event that essential oils would work, they aren't really safe for small animals, and the bunnies would hate the smell.