MITES

[Tofu&pecan]

Hello Guys,

I have been using hay from a website online for ages but recently ran out and got the basic stuff from a near by pet shop, I then noticed after a week of using it that both out rabbits are covered in mites, our vets are currently closed and not open til Tuesday and this doesn’t deem as an emergency. I was told in the past to use Johnsons Antisecticidal Spray but whenever I look online I cannot see anything.

1. If you have used it, how long till results?

2. It says 3-5 sprays, do I spray everywhere on my rabbits or just in a certain area?

3. Is the shampoo better for rabbits?

4. Do I just use it the once and wait for results?

5. Is it 3-5 sprays in one area before moving on, or is it 3-5 sprays per area?

Disclosure: we will be taking them both to the vets when they’re open, but unfortunately we need something in the meantime.

Also any tips on cleaning the area to help de-contaminate it would be helpful, They’re both indoor rabbits, literally have their own room, so upset this happened.

[DanaNM]

I just looked up that product because I wasn’t familiar with it. It contains permethrin, which can be used on rabbits, but it can cause some serious side effects if not dosed correctly. It tends to only be used in situations where the benefits outweigh the risks (such as to repel mosquitos in areas with Myxo).

Personally… I would probably just wait until the vets are open and get revolution. As alarming as it is, the mites aren’t truly an emergency so I personally wouldn’t mess around with the permethrin product if you can get Revolution in a couple days. Here’s another thread where it was discussed:

Permethrin – Safe or not ?

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Wick & Fable]

I agree with DanaNM to not do anything until you actually have your rabbits seen by a vet — in general, the spray treatments are not effective and there are reports of them actually being irritating for rabbit skin, further aggravating skin distress rather than just treating the infestation. Here is a web-page with information on what are more reliably safe and effective mite treatments, though again, getting the diagnosis actually confirmed by a veterinarian is a priority before applying anything to a rabbit: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Mites

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[LBJ10]

So… the clarify… are these fur mites? Or do we not know what they are? I would think it would take longer than a week for symptoms of a fur mite infestation to be noticeable. You are suspicious of the hay, so I wonder if they are something else like itch mites.

[Tofu&pecan]

Me and my husband have called the vets which are now saying we cannot get an appointment until the 24th of November, we are trying different ways to get rid of the mites like decontaminating their indoor hutch in a safe way and ensuring the hay is now gone until I find a more reputable supplier.

Unfortunately it is still not deemed an emergency so its just a wait til we can get them in but they have assured me the spray is safe

[Author]

Messages