Bobtails Rescue: Rabbits and Mites - what to look for

Mites is a relatively common problem in rabbits, but very easy to cure by an injection given by your vet. Some people think their rabbit has dandruff, but this video clip explains what to look for and how to diagnose mites. Mites will irritate your rabbit, making it itchy. If you notice your rabbit scratching more than usual, this might be a sign of mites. In some cases, the mites are easily visible and sometimes, they are hidden in the fur. This clip shows two cases; one obvious and one less obvious. It is important that you check your rabbit regularly for mites to prevent discomfort.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Rabbits
• rabbit
• mites
• dandruff

[addyrain]

Can people get the mites from rabbits?

[BobtailsRescueUK]

@addyrain Although in theory it is possible (ther is one type of mites that can be passed to humans) the chances are extremely slim.

[cleo72]

I rescued an English Angora from a private breeder. he was kept outside in a rabbit run where he had constant contact with the grass, dirt, etc. on the ground. When I bathed him, he had a mild amount of flakey skin near his rump area. There were no changes in hair quality or denseness. I assumed it was dry skin or dandruff. It seems to not be as bad but can this be mites and not simply dry sin?

[BobtailsRescueUK]

@cleo72 Hi cleo72.

As an Angora, if he was matted around the back end, he would have been unable to properly groom himself, and thus this could cause a build up of dry flaky skin, although it is also an area that is prone to mite problems. If you can possibly give him a thorough groom that would make it easier for him to maintain it himself.

The only way to be sure is to take him to your vet and ask them to do a skin scrape, and they can confirm if mites are present.

Hope this is helpful.

[gorica82]

i just noticed my guinea pig has a little bald spot on her hind legs, no dandrof tho, can it still be mite infestation?

[BobtailsRescueUK]

@gorica82 Hi gorica82. Sorry it has taken rather a long time to reply - we hope your guinea pig is now better. It is very difficult for us to give a diagnosis without seeing your guinea pig and we suggest you take it to your vet who will be able to advise you.

[slashdotjeo]

I don't understand why they don't sell spot on for mites in the USA like they do in the UK. Why make use take our piggies to the vet and spend hundred, when you get can easily cure mites by apply ivermectin. Most people just return or let the pig go because they don't want to spend the money. :( very sad. And these vets don't give you a break. My local vet is charging me 200 bucks for a treatments. Anti-parasite spoton cost 6 bucks in the UK. Very sad..

[JARRODbelieber]

My guienny pig has had mites for it's hole life but only relised it knw it's got scans all over it's back ad it doesn't stop scratching but it only scratches at night ??

[MissSiobhanClair]

hi, i put on some 'spot on' drop for my rabbit who has mites, will this cure it?

[addyrain]

@BobtailsRescueUK Thanks for responding and thanks for the interesting video.

[iampabols]

hello....my rabbit has that flaky dandruff on his face and feet..he already lost some of its hair...i just want to ask if rabbits can take a bath with soap, how frequent and what medication i can use to treat it. we have no vets in our place.

[cleo72]

@BobtailsRescueUK: Thank you .... yes, your advice has been very helpful. I noticed my English Angora has the "flakey" white stuff on his back near his shoulder blades. I took him to the vet yesterday and she said that it is not mites and that she isn't sure exactly what it is but she has seen it on English Angoras a lot. Are you aware of anything like this that is unique to the EAs? I trimmed my rabbit way down so he can groom himself. He seems more comfortable that way too.

[cleo72]

yes, thank you. He has been to the vet several times. In fact, right now, he's being treated for abscesses and has also been diagnosed with osteomyelitis and sepsis. He acts fine and the antibiotic treatments are helping to reduce the abscesses substantially but I just don't know what the future holds for him.