In the UK most rabbits live outdoors in hutches. This rabbit has been cleaned up, and is about to undergo surgery to repair the wounds. The wounds on this rabbit, while they are big for a rabbit, are much smaller than is commonly the case. The picture of a rabbit that suffered from blowfly strike, but was discovered fairly quickly. It is often necessary to wait a day or two for the rabbit’s condition to improve before operating. This requires a general anaesthetic, which involves considerable risk to a sick rabbit. Sometime after it may be appropriate to surgically repair some of the wounds that the maggots have made. Then, the rabbit is treated for shock, and given pain relief and antibiotics. This is a time consuming process, and involves physically picking the maggots off the rabbit. The first thing is to remove the maggots. The few that are taken to the vet in time are usually very depressed, close to death. Affected rabbits suffer great pain and distress while the maggots eat away at them. This is called “Strike.” In the UK, the fly species involved are the blowflies, or blue-bottles and green-bottles to you and me.
**PLEASE NOTE: Don’t ever bath rabbits like you would a dog & never ever place a rabbit in cold water – they can die of shock.When a fly lays its eggs on a rabbit, the eggs hatch and the maggots start to eat away at the animal’s skin. Use a hairdryer set on low if your rabbit doesn’t get spooked by it.
Bunny fly strike skin#
* You need to get your rabbit as dry as possible to stop their skin from chafing. Use tissue paper to absorb the water from the fur also * Once clean, lift your rabbit out onto a dry towel and dry them as much as you can. * No need to use any pet shampoo, just water is needed. * Place your rabbit into the tray and use your hand or the wet towel to wipe around your rabbit’s bottom. * Pour a little luke warm water into the tray (no deeper than 2 inches) * Place a tea towel or small towel in the bottom of an empty litter tray * If your rabbit’s bottom is heavily soiled, then you may need to bathe their bottom. If it is stuck closely to your bunnies skin, then use your fingers rather than a comb Dampen it to help soften it first and then gently remove it a little at a time. * Never pull at clumps of dry poop around your rabbit’s bottom as you could tear their skin. * Use a metal pet comb to gently brush away any soiled fur * Use baby wipes or damp tissues to wipe them clean *If your rabbit seems quiet and not their usual self or if they are showing any signs of discomfort, check them immediately. Remember to move the pots when your rabbits are out and about as you may find you have no herbs left!ĭon’t dust away cobwebs in your rabbit’s enclosure as they will help capture those horrible flies! **Never delay in getting your rabbit to a vet if you do suspect flystrike.** Try growing some in pots and place in front of your rabbit’s accommodation. Herbs like Basil, Rosemary and Mint also help deter flies. Keep it away from the rabbit’s hay, food, water & bedding. Dab drops of oil around your rabbit’s enclosure but only in places they cannot reach. Use a good quality pure essential oil only. Brushing away excess fur around their bottom area will help to keep them cleaner and also help to avoid any droppings sticking to their fur.Ĭitronella, Rosemary & Lavender oils can help deter flies from your rabbit’s accommodation. When you groom your rabbit make sure you groom their bottom area also. With their litter trays always cover fresh droppings with hay and clean the trays out every other day. Sweep up any loose droppings in their accommodation & remove any soiled areas where they sleep. A small bottle will last a long time and can be re-applied every week to 10 days, so you can be sure your rabbit is well protected. F10 is not as expensive as rearguard and you can ask your vets about it. We recommend the F10 wound spray with insecticide as it is excellent for helping to protect rabbits against flystrike. Flies can lay the eggs deep into folds of skin, so always check very thoroughly.į10 and rearguard are products that you can use on your rabbit for the best protection against flystrike. Don’t think flystrike happens in the summer only, it doesn’t! Vets see cases of flystrike in rabbits throughout the year.Ĭheck your rabbits scent glands are clean too. Check everyday, especially through summer months, but make sure you check they are clean all year round too. Follow these tips to help deter those awful flies from your bunnies.Ĭheck, check and check again that your rabbit’s bottom is always clean. Flystrike is when flies will lay their eggs on the soiled bottom area of a rabbit, the eggs then hatch into maggots and the maggots will eat your rabbit’s flesh. Flystrike is something every rabbit owner should dread and work hard at avoiding.
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