Rabbits, alike many other animals, are prone to be infested by parasites, whether these are found in or outside of their body.
We have already talked about some of them, like Coccidia, E. Cuniculi, and Myisis, three horrible infestations with a variety of symptoms.
Now we must learn about other less lethal, but still harmful, parasites.
Skin parasites (ectoparasites) include external parasites found in fur or skin:
Mites like Cheyletiella affect dogs, cats, and rabbits, and big infestations are usually caused because the rabbit is immune deficient, meaning it’s secondary to an already ongoing issue.
There are also mites that are specialised to live inside the ears, but these are harder to diagnose because bacterial and fungal infections 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. The most important part of flea removal is ensuring their eggs and larvae are gone, as those are the usual suspects when consequent infections occur.
There are fleas specialised in rabbits and they usually target the ears.
Flea allergy may also be developed, just like any other animal.
Ticks can also be a big part of rabbit health, and big tick infestations can easily and quickly debilitate rabbits by anaemia.
It is important to check yourself and especially other animals that can co-inhabit with the rabbit if these go outside often.
Cats and dogs can bring ectoparasites into the house easily.
Remember to check your rabbit often if they can access the garden or live outside.
Myiasis occurs 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 infestation.
Mosquitoes are a matter of worry due to how harder they are to control compared to the others on the list. They are well known for carrying blood borne RHVD.
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, a roundworm found in raccoons, can infect the eyes and the brain 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 yourself 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.
For your general internal parasites, panacure is quite effective, and a tri-monthly cure can be done if necessary.
For some bacterial intestinal parasites, antibiotics can be shyly used, always considering that some antibiotics are toxic for rabbits and providing rabbit-specific probiotics and prebiotics
Rabbits can be treated with some medicines for external parasites too, including Ivermectine and Selamectine, which also work for some internal parasites too.
I personally use Selamectine (Stronghold).
Be wary that some anti-parasite meds are toxic to rabbits too.
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.