Mange Disease in Rabbits
Mange, also known as fur mites, are a relatively common problem amongst house rabbits. Left unchecked, fur mites can become extremely uncomfortable, causing severe dandruff, exposed raw skin and secondary infections. Knowing what to look for and the basics of treatment will help you determine when to call the vet, in order to keep your rabbit companion healthy and happy.
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Types of Mange
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The most common types of fur mites are Cheyletiella parasitovorax, Sarcoptes spp. and Notoedres cati. The first of these mites is present on the surface of the skin, while the second two are burrowing mites that live below the surface of the skin.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of mange in rabbits include dandruff, bald spots, scratching, raw patches of skin, crust on the skin and secondary skin infections. One of these symptoms may be present or all of them may be present, depending on the type and severity of the mite infestation.
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Diagnosis
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Vets will use a Scotch tape sample, scraping or biopsy in order to confirm the suspected presence of mites in a rabbit. Sometimes, mites cannot be easily confirmed, and veterinarians will elect to proceed with treatment, despite not having a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment
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Treatment of all types of mites in rabbits is pretty much the same. Kitten-strength Revolution is measured at 0.1cc per kilogram of body weight, and applied between the shoulder blades once per month for three months. Alternately, three injections of ivermectin are given 14 days apart. Open wounds are kept clean and living quarters are sterilized to prevent further exposure to mites.
Prevention
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Some veterinarians recommend preventative treatment with kitten-strength Revolution for rabbits who are particularly prone to mite infestations. Dosage amount and frequency will be determined by the size of your rabbit, along with her medical history.
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References
- Photo Credit white rabbit image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com
