URGENTLY NEED HELP!!

[Noor]

I got my bunny a few weeks ago, and recently I’ve been getting very itchy bite marks all over my body. I thought maybe my bunny had fleas, but when I went to check him, I found out something even worse!

There’s is a spongy, yellow coating all around his fingers (and some crust on the rest of his paw). And also some crusty white bits on his nose & an entire layer of thick, dry crust (I said crust a lot lol) around both his ears. His ear canal is clear though.

I also noticed he doesn’t hop properly, he limps around. I bought him from a pet shop which neglected him and just threw him in a cage so he was suffering from severe malnutrition when I first bought him.

Unfortunately, in my area, the vet is very expensive, and I cannot afford to take him there. I will try though.

[sarahthegemini]

He’s limping and covered in crust. He needs a vet. Maybe you can ask if they’ll accept a payment plan.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

Unfortunately, a vet is your only bet at giving him a chance. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Is there any way you can call other vets maybe 30 minutes away?
In my area, the vet next to me charges $500 for a procedure, but the vet 15 minutes away charges $80. Each vet really does vary price wise

[Sofia]

There is sadly no quick online solution to this. She needs a vet, maybe a local rescue can give cheaper veterinary care? I’m sorry for what you’re going through, I know it must be terribly hard.

[Noor]

Update: I tried to upload the images but it just would work…

I found out he actually has (almost) severe fur mites (which explains the bite marks I had) after taking him in for a quick check up, which didn’t cost much.

I have managed to book an appointment with the vet tomorrow. He said he will have a look at him and most likely give him a shot of ivermectin. However I was told that once the crust on his ears fall off his ears will be ragged and not smooth

But that is fine, as long as he is okay.

Thank you all for the help <3

[Sofia]

That’s amazing! Hopefully you didn’t have to pay a lot for the vet. I think the ears will be a cute way of distinguishing himself from all the other bunnies, showing he’s special ?

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

That’s so good to hear!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Poor little bun. Hope it clears up soon!

[Muj Mom N Bun]

Oh, dear bunny, horrible that pet stores are still allowed to get away with horrible situations like this. Thank you for giving this little one a chance for a long happy healthy life. Hopefully with the meds and a better home here on in, the mites will clear up quickly and he will have quite the distinguishing set of Wabbit ears!

[Q8bunny]

Let us know how he’s doing, please.

[Noor]

Update: it’s been about 4 days since his injection, and I’m starting to see really good results! The crust covering his paws are slowly (but surely) falling off.

However, I have noticed fur loss on his upper back (between the back of his ears and his shoulder blades).

Is (some) fur loss during an ivermectin treatment normal?
Also, how long would it be until I see noticeable results?
If anybody can help, it would be much appreciated!

[LBJ10]

It will take several weeks. Typically, fur mites require repeated treatments to eliminate all of them. I believe it’s something like 3 injections of Ivermectin given at 2 week intervals. The hair loss is probably from all the stuff falling off, which is normal.

[Bam]

I second LBJ. The hair loss is a consequence of the mites. Both hair and rather big dandruff-like flakes will come off as the mites die. If the skin looks irritated you can put on a tiny bit of Vaseline.

For really bad cases of mites, up to 4 injections of ivermectin can be needed. There are still mites in your rabbits environment, to prevent them from reinfesting your bun, treatment is pretty long. But improvement is often seen remarkably quickly, Ivermectin is a very good antiparasitic.

You can help your bun by brushing him with a soft brush, but do it in the bathroom or even outside if you have a balcony or porch so you don’t get surviving mites whirling about in the house. They can survive pretty long in the environment, especially if it’s moist.

Toys can be put in the freezer for 48 hours (in sealed plastic bags of course), all washable fabrics should be machine-washed. My Bam had mites once 6 years ago, he had two rounds of treatment, he’s been mite-free since.

[Q8bunny]

Glad you’re seeing improvement, Noor

The hair will grow back after the skin regenerates.

[Jon]

Thanks!

[Author]

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