Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug known for a long time and used for multiple purposes in different animal species such as dogs, cats, cattle and even humans. Ivermectin for rabbits may also be useful, which is what we will refer to in this article on our site.
First of all, keep in mind that, although ivermectin is a widely used medication, we should never give it to our rabbit if the veterinarian has not expressly prescribed it for him.
What is ivermectin for rabbits?
Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic Specifically, it is an endectoparasiticide, which means that it acts on various parasites, both external and internal, that can affect rabbits. It is a broad-spectrum macrocyclic lactone, that is, it is active against numerous parasites, which began to be used in cattle.
It works by blocking the parasites' transmission of nerve impulses, causing paralysis and death. It begins to take effect between 24-48 hours after of its administration and its activity lasts for several days, since the product persists on the skin, so that maintains a prolonged effect.
What is ivermectin used for in rabbits?
Primary use is ivermectin for rabbits with mange Mange is a disease caused by mites that causes itching, discomfort and lesions that they can be serious and even, in the most serious cases, lead to the death of the rabbit. Hence the importance of diagnosing and treating all affected rabbits as soon as possible. Don't forget that some of these mites can be transmitted to other animals, including people.
Ivermectin is effective in combating mites such as Psoroptes cuniculi that proliferate in the ears, causing ear scabies, Sarcoptes scabiei cuniculi, that cause sarcoptic mange, or the Cheyletiella parasitovorax. Of course, keep in mind that scabies does not heal in two days. The eradication of this pathology can take for months In addition, it must be taken into account that, although its effect persists when it remains on the skin, which manages to eliminate several generations of mites hatching, does not act on their eggs other supportive drugs may be neededand environmental sanitation measures are essential.
On the other hand, ivermectin can be used in deworming against nematodes such as Baylisascaris procyonis, which causes encephalitis. Even if we have our rabbit at home without access to the outside, it could already be parasitized upon arrival at home. For this reason, it is essential to go to the veterinarian to review and establish the most appropriate deworming schedule for your circumstances.
Finally, it is important that you look for a specialized veterinarian in the so-called exotic animalsNot all Veterinary graduates have up-to-date knowledge to care for rabbits. It is worth your time to locate a clinic with experience in this field and good references to get the best care for your rabbit.
To find out if your rabbit needs veterinary attention, we encourage you to read this other article on 9 symptoms of a sick rabbit.
Ivermectin dose for rabbits
Ivermectin applications in rabbits are usually done as subcutaneous injections, so it will be administered by the veterinarian in consultation. The doses, of course, have to be established by this professional. Against scabies they are usually between 0, 2-0, 4 mg per kg of weight The most common regimens include two injections every 4-6 days or three spread over a couple of weeks. When ivermectin is used for nematodes, the dose is the same, but it is usually divided into two doses separated by 14 days. Always according to the veterinarian's criteria.
You can also find ivermectin for rabbits in spot-on. In that case, the administration conditions may vary according to the manufacturer, so we will also have to consult with the veterinarian before applying it.
In order to prevent this and other diseases, we encourage you to consult this other article on our site about Vaccines for rabbits.
Contraindications of ivermectin in rabbits
Of course, we cannot treat with ivermectin if the rabbit has previously shown any adverse reaction to this substance. If the rabbit is undergoing any treatment, it is very young or it is a pregnant rabbit or suspected of being pregnant orlactation period , the veterinarian must be informed so that he can decide on the most appropriate treatment.
Side effects of ivermectin in rabbits
Ivermectin for rabbits is a product with a quite acceptable safety levelThis means that serious side effects are rare, but this does not mean that they are impossible. Most are related to the administration of a much higher dose than recommended, another fact that reinforces the importance of always consulting with the veterinarian before medicating. In a small percentage of cases, side effects occur at the usual doses.
These effects usually affect the nervous system and can occur regardless of the route of administration. In addition, repeated use of ivermectin has consequences on the sexual organs of male rabbits. Thus, any alteration that we observe in our rabbit after exposure to ivermectin must be reported immediately to the veterinarian.
