Selamectin is a safe antiparasitic for rabbits and very useful for killing external parasites such as fleas, lice or mites in this species. The dose will depend on the type of parasitization that our rabbit in question presents. This active ingredient belongs to the avermectin class and acts by paralyzing these parasites because it intervenes in the interruption of the normal motor neurotransmission of these invertebrate organisms.
Continue reading this article on our site to learn more about Selamectin for rabbits, its dosage, uses and side effects in this species animal.
What is selamectin?
Selamectin is a semi-synthetic antiparasitic used in veterinary medicine to kill external and internal parasites in animals. It is frequently used in dogs and cats, but also in exotic animals such as rabbits, being especially useful for external parasites by mites or fleas.
This active ingredient exerts its action by activating chloride channels in muscle synapses, causing chloride ions to enter nerve cells, disrupting normal neurotransmission and electrical activity muscle and, therefore, neuromuscular paralysis occurs and the consequent death of the parasite. This action occurs once the selamectin has been absorbed by the rabbit's skin and hair follicles, subsequently passing into the bloodstream, the intestine and the sebaceous glands, where the parasites can be found that will die after ingesting this dewormer when they feed on the secretions or blood of the parasitized rabbit.
What is selamectin used for in rabbits?
Selamectin in rabbits serves as an external dewormer for topical use to eliminate external parasites that currently inhabit their Body.
Selamectin is a really useful drug to kill the mange mites that can affect rabbits, such as Psoroptes cuniculi and Otodectes cynotis, for the lice that affect rabbits (Haemadipsus ventricosus), the Cheyletielosis mite (Cheyletiella parasitovorax) and the fleas (Ctenocephalides felis).
With regard to fleas, selamectin kills adult fleas, eggs and larvae, effectively breaking their life cycle from hatching on the rabbit and in the environment, the larvae in the environment and adults on its body surface, so it can help control possible infestations in the environment of areas where the rabbit may have access. In addition, selamectin not only has this immediate deworming action, but also prevents infestations by these organisms for 5 weeks
Dose of selamectin for rabbits
The dose of selamectin in rabbits will depend on the parasite to be treated, so the doses would be as follows:
- For fleas: dose of 20 mg/kg for 7 days.
- For mites: dose 6-18 mg/kg topically by pipette, two treatments one month apart.
- For the Cheyletiella mite: dose of 12 mg/kg.
Selamectin for rabbits is usually marketed in the form of pipettes. In this way, to apply selamectin, the hair of the interscapular area (between the shoulder blades) must be opened so that the skin is visible, the pipette is held in a vertical position, the lid is opened and the exact amount is applied directly on the skin without massaging.
Contraindications of selamectin in rabbits
Selamectin should not be used in sick rabbits with other concomitant pathologies, in weak rabbits , underweight, immunosuppressed or with signs of systemic disease. Likewise, it should not be used if hypersensitivity to any of the active substances or excipients of the drug is known. In the latter case, we recommend that you consult other antiparasitic drugs, such as fenbendazole for rabbits or panacur, and opt for one that is more appropriate for your animal. In this other article we talk about the best antiparasitic for rabbits.
Being in pipette format, it should be applied to completely dry hair and skin to facilitate skin absorption and arrival in the bloodstream, so we should not bathe the rabbits two days before or two days after starting the selamectin pipette.
Side effects of selamectin in rabbits
The use of selamectin may cause the following adverse effects in rabbits:
- Itching Mild and transient in the application area.
- Alopecia Mild to moderate at the application site.
- Erythema.
- Focal Irritation.
- Hypersalivation.
- Soft stool.
- Vomiting.
- Anorexy.
Generally, these signs resolve on their own and only the first ones can be considered somewhat more frequent. The signs at the end of the list are more unusual and may appear if an overdose of the product occurs, in which case it would be necessary to go to the veterinary clinic.
