Rabbits, alike many other animals, are prone to be infected by parasites, whether these are in or outside of their body.
We have already talked about some of them, like Coccidia, E. Cuniculi, and Flystrike, three horrible infections with a variety of symptoms.
Now we must learn about other less lethal, but still harmful, parasites.
Skin parasites (ectoparasites) include what you could find in other pets:
Mites like Cheyletiella affect dogs, cats, and rabbits, and big infections are usually caused because the rabbit is immunocompromised, so it’s a good idea to check for any underlying issue.
There are also mites that are specialised to live inside the ears, but these are harder to diagnose because bacterial and fungal issues may develop similar symptoms, thus it is recommended for a vet to check under a microscope.
Ticks and fleas also affect rabbits.
Fleas can be dealt with by thoroughly cleaning the environment and applying the necessary pest control, of course this must be done after removing the rabbit, who also has to be cleansed. Those fleas specialised in rabbits target the ears.
Ticks can also be an issue, and big tick infestations can easily and quickly debilitate rabbits.
Soap has had a tick once that latched into his eyelid. Thankfully, it was short lived, as it quickly fell and was stepped on by someone!
Myiasis can occur when a fly deposits its eggs in the rabbit flesh, the larvae hatch and start feeding on the rabbit. This is also considered a parasitic infection.
Mosquitoes can also be an issue, especially because these are difficult to control and can transmit RVHD faster than any of the above.
There are other parasites that affect rabbits from within:
E. Cuniculi is one of them, infecting the brain and other organs and causing a plethora of issues like paralysis, seizures, and headtilt.
Baylisascaris is a roundworm found in raccoons that can infect the eyes and the brains alongside the rest of the organs and has similar symptoms to E. Cuniculi.
Coccidia are parasites infecting the GI tract, they affect the lining of the intestines, causing weight loss and diarrhoea among other things. There is also a second type of Coccidia that infects the liver causing hepatic damage.
Rabbits are also prone to pinworms, tapeworms, and other round worms.
Vets are able to give you anti-parasite drops or sprays that allow for protection and diagnosis. If you buy these from a pet shop please remember: Most of these sprays made for dogs and cats are toxic for rabbits.
In case of parasitic infection, other preparation and care must be made with the veterinary expert.
If you want to learn more about parasites you can read:
The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund’s page on Skin and Fur Parasites.
Exotic Pet Vet’s information sheet about Parasites of Rabbits.