Mites are one of the external parasites that can affect our home rabbit and it is relatively common for them to do so. In fact, it is one of the most common queries of caregivers in veterinary clinics. Lesions on the skin, ears or itching are signs that should alert us to the possible presence of mites in rabbits Some of them are part of the normal flora of your skin, but when for some reason its population skyrockets, the problems that we explain in this article on our site appear.
If you suspect your rabbit may have mites, keep reading to find out the most common symptoms of mites in rabbits and what to do.
Types of mites in rabbits
There are several species of mites that can affect rabbits, developing alterations in the skin and hair. They are more common in rabbits with immature immune systems or weakened by other diseases, age, stress or poor handling conditions. These mites stand out mainly:
- Cheyletiella parasitivorax: is one of the mites that can affect people, although they do not complete their life cycle in them. They are large in size, which means that they can be seen directly as scales. They are quite common in rabbits and it is more common for them to lodge in the back and abdomen.
- Demodex cuniculi: it is rare. Rabbits that have been weakened for some reason are the ones most at risk of infestation. Sometimes they also affect the ears.
- Leporacarus gibbus: usually appears on the back and the symptoms it causes are mild. In fact, many rabbits are asymptomatic carriers.
- Notoedres cuniculi: starts on the snout and ears and can spread to the head, limbs and tail. It is otherwise similar to the more well-known sarcoptic mange.
- Sarcoptes scabiei cuniculi: mange is more common in wild rabbits, but cannot be ruled out in domestic rabbits. Typically, it causes injuries to the head, hands, and genitalia. Severe cases can affect, in addition to the skin, the general condition of the rabbit, causing lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss and even death.
- Psoroptes cuniculi: it is very contagious. It affects one or both ears causing otitis. Sometimes it spreads to the head, neck and even other more remote areas such as the tail. It can be seen with the naked eye. Another ear mite in rabbits, although less frequent and milder, is Chorioptes cuniculi.
Symptoms of mites in rabbits
Mites can affect the skin and the inside of the ear canal It is quite easy for us as caregivers to detect that there is a problem, since that, although with differences, we will always find easily visible skin damage. Thus, mites cause different symptoms in rabbits, depending on the species present. In general, we can highlight the following:
- Itching of greater or lesser intensity (not always)
- Redness
- Irritation
- Wounds
- Exudate
- Crusts
- Peeling skin or dandruff
- Loss of hair
- Skin thickening
- Oily skin
These symptoms can also be seen in the pinnae when mites affect the inside of the ear. In addition, the rabbit may shake its head and ears due to pain. These can present falls and the head adopt abnormal postures. There may even be mobility difficulties.
On the other hand, within the symptoms of mites in rabbits we cannot forget that, in the ears, appear secretion, bad smell, inflammation and reddish brown colorIf the hands are affected, the growth of the nails is altered and ends up preventing the rabbit from moving normally. It will shake its paws in an attempt to relieve the itching.
How to eliminate mites in rabbits? - Treatment
To diagnose mites we have to go to the vet. Only this professional can confirm or rule out their presence. To do this, he will take samples using scraping or adhesive tape and observe them under a microscope, seeking to locate and classify the type of mite present or its eggs. The hair may also be examined.
Once diagnosed, how to cure mites in rabbits? Mites are combated using a specific antiparasitic for each species, hence the importance of correct identification. It will be the veterinarian who prescribes the most appropriate for each case. This can be administered inside the ears, if the parasites are located there, on the neck with a pipette or injected directly. Baths may also be prescribed. In addition, it is necessary to disinfect the environment and check any animal that lives in the same house. We must not lose sight of the fact that some species of mites can not only infect other animals, but also affect people. For this reason it is so important not to leave them untreated, since, although observing basic hygienic measures transmission does not usually occur, it is better to prevent it, especially if people with a weakened or immature immune system live in the home. Transmission occurs mainly by direct contact, although it is also possible to contract them through the environment or through any utensil with which the mites have come into contact.
On the other hand, untreated ear mite infestations can progress into the ear, eventually perforating the eardrum and causing neurological problems. These animals are so upset that they stop eating and eventually die. Sarcoptic and notoedral mange can form crusts on the face that prevent chewing. The rabbit will die. As you can see, the seriousness of some infestations is another reason to go to the vet soon.
To avoid the presence of mites, pipettes can be applied monthly, always following the veterinarian's prescription, since care must be taken with their app. If we put them in the lower area of the neck, the rabbit could access them when self-grooming, causing intoxication. Finally, remember that only treatments prescribed by the veterinarian can be used. Pipettes or sprays for dogs or cats are not suitable for rabbits. They could become seriously intoxicated.
Check this other article on The best products for deworming rabbits to learn how to prevent mites in these animals.
Are there home remedies against mites in rabbits?
Even if you find information about the possibility of treating your rabbit with mites by applying home remedies, the truth is that the effectiveness is only ensured by drugs prescribed by veterinary professionals. For this reason, and in view of the seriousness that uncontrolled infestations acquire, with risk to the life of the rabbit, the only recommendation can be to go to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
