Infestation

[shinigami66]

Hi all,

Our two bunnies (currently separated and not bonded yet) have some sort of fleas/mites/lice that we aren’t sure of. Henry, who has white fur, had a small sesame seed looking insect crawling within the fur and we also saw small specks of black spot on his scalp. Holly, with dark grey fur, may have also been infested as we saw a tiny insect hopped out of her after we pet her. We are hoping to get them both to the vet on Saturday as we are not sure what to do.

Question is, where could the source be? The only thing we can think of is the new hay that we got recently, but is it possible for these bugs to live in the hay? Also, what disinfectant do you guys recommend for their pen area? We are in a dilemma because some of their toys and hidey house are made of cardboard and that will be very hard to clean.

Thank you in advance!

Jeffery

[Bunny House]

It depends on what it is. Mites have to be directly transmitted and my knowledge I think dog mites can’t live on bunnies but cats can, but I may be wrong. If it’s fleas, are the jumping? The would come from a dog or cat or if the buns have been outside.

Are the buns new to your house? They could have gotten it from their old home but the hay is possible. I’m not for sure if fleas and mites can live in hay, I know ticks probably could but you would know if they had ticks since they are round and decently big. Look around the pen and see if any of their toys have baby bugs in them, if so I would throw them away. As far as cleaning, I know vinegar and water is good, anything harsh could be toxic to the buns like bleach. If you use something harsh like that I would dilute it and then wash with vinegar and water and then with water alone to make sure it’s safe, of course if anything is fabric, a wash in the laundry is good.

[shinigami66]

Holly is recent as she was brought in a month ago, they live indoor and only time we brought them out is walking to the vet with a carrier. Yes it is weird as we don’t own a dog nor a cat.

We’ve been using vinegar and water for their litter box so maybe I will just keep using that like you suggested!

[Bunny House]

If they cam from her then she had to have been snuggling with him for him to get them so I would think the hay caused it if they haven’t been touching. Of course the vet can determine what it is and suggest to throw the hat away if it’s from it!

[shinigami66]

Hopefully vet can determine! We have booked them in for Saturday, fingers crossed it won’t be too complicated!

Thank you for your help!

[Bunny House]

You’re welcome! Keep us updated

[Bam]

It doesn’t sound like mites because mites are small and you can’t see them jump.

The best antiparasitic for rabbits is Revolution (selamectin), which needs to be prescribed by a vet. It’s bunny safe and very effective. Some vets will give ivermectin instead, and that’s also good and safe.

Since this is a discussion about parasites, I’ll just give out the warning we always give: Never use any compound containing Fipronil on a rabbit. It’s fine for cats and dogs, but it’s deadly toxic to rabbits. It’s sold OTC under many different brand names, for example Frontline, Sentry and Effipro.

[shinigami66]

Hi all,

Thank you for your concern, vet had seen both bunnies and had confirmed they were fleas! There was quite a few jumping around when the vet saw them both. Vet had dosed them both with the brand Advocate for cats, and she said that they should be dosed again each month for at least next three months. Fingers crossed it will get rid of the fleas!

[Author]

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