How to Treat a Rabbit for Fly Larvae

Fly strike in rabbits must be treated as an emergency.

A rabbit whose fur is damp or soiled is at risk of a disease called fly strike. Fly strike occurs when certain species of flies lay their eggs on the rabbit's skin. When the larvae hatch, they consume the rabbit's skin and flesh and release harmful waste products. Rabbits most at risk are those with an ongoing diarrhea or incontinence problem since the smell and moisture attracts flies. If your rabbit acts unwell, itches at a single spot, or if you see maggots on your rabbit, treat the problem as an emergency and get the rabbit to the vet. Your vet will prescribe medicine and care for your rabbit.

Things You'll Need

• Antibiotics (prescribed by your vet)
• Antibiotic ointment (prescribed by your vet)
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. Check your rabbit for any wounds or maggots on its skin. The most commonly affected area is the skin around the anus and genitals.

2. Call your vet immediately if you find any wounds or maggots. If the vet can see you right away, pack up your rabbit and go as soon as possible. If not, follow the steps in Section Two until your appointment.

3. Listen to your vet's advice. Your vet will probably need to keep the rabbit at least one night to remove the larvae and tend to the wound. When you pick up your rabbit, take notes of how much medication to give and when to give it.

4. Give your rabbit the antibiotic according to the schedule from your vet. Antibiotics for rabbits typically must be administered by an injection. If you don't know how to give an injection, have your vet teach you, or take the rabbit to the vet for each treatment. Continue to administer the antibiotic for the exact number of days your vet prescribed.

5. Apply the antibiotic ointment to your rabbit's wound according to your vet's directions. While you are applying the ointment, check the wound for any signs of infection such as pus, swelling, redness or if the wound is warmer than the surrounding skin.

6. Return to the vet to have him check the progress of your rabbit. Return visits are typically scheduled a week after you take your rabbit home from the initial treatment.

Home Care Until You Can See the Vet

1. Hold your rabbit in a position that allows you access to the wound and larvae. If you can enlist a friend to help, it will be easier to work on the rabbit.

2. Pull as many larvae off your rabbit as you can with the tweezers. Take care not to pinch the rabbit's skin. Drop the larvae in a bowl of soapy water to kill them.

3. Immerse the infected wound in a sink full of warm (not hot) water. Since fly strike typically affects the rear end of the rabbit, dunk its entire hind end. With your hand, gently wash the area with the water. Drain the sink and fill it with clean water. Wash the wound again. Repeat once more with clean water.

4. Dry the rabbit as thoroughly as possible. Your rabbit is probably quite stressed at this point and getting a chill could make it worse. Keep your rabbit warm and dry until you get to the vet.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on how severely your rabbit is suffering from fly strike, your vet may send you home with fluids that need to be administered subcutaneously. The vet will teach you how to give your rabbit the fluids.

• While your rabbit is at the vet, clean the rabbit's living quarters thoroughly to remove any remaining fly eggs.

• Once home, give your rabbit plenty of food and clean water.

• Fly strike is an emergency situation for your rabbit. The infestation is very painful and will kill your rabbit. Call your vet as soon as possible and let him know the rabbit needs to be seen that day.

References

• House Rabbit Society: Fly Strike
• World Wide Wounds: Rabbit Fly Strike
• Medicanimal: The symptoms, treatment and prevention of fly strike