Deworming And Preventive Flea Products In Pet Rabbits

Deworming

Rabbits do not need to be routinely wormed, as endoparasites are rarely pathogenic in this species. The rabbit pinworm, Passalurus ambiguus, is commonly found but does not cause clinical signs even in relatively large numbers. P. ambiguus ova may be easily detected on faecal microscopy and adult worms are common incidental findings on postmortem examination of caecal contents.

Preventive Flea Products

Preventive flea treatment is rarely indicated in domestic rabbits. Treatment is usually required in response to fleas being seen on the rabbit. Spilopsyllus cuniculi, the rabbit flea, is an important vector for myxomatosis. Cat fleas can also occasionally live on rabbits. Products licensed for use in rabbits are imidacloprid and selamectin. Both kill adult fleas. The former lasts for 1 week and should be repeated every 4 weeks; the latter lasts for 2 weeks and treatment should be repeated fortnightly. The use of fipronil is contraindicated in rabbits following adverse reactions to both the spray and the spot-on preparations in small and young animals. Fatalities have occurred. Other side effects seen include depression and anorexia.

Reference

Keeble, E. ; Meredith, A. and Richardson, J. (2016). Self-Assessment Color Review Rabbit Medicine and Surgery. Second Edition. CRC Press. USA.