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How to Beat Flystrike in Rabbits
Flystrike is a serious condition in rabbits that, if left untreated, can be fatal. It is caused by flies laying their eggs on the rabbit, the eggs hatching out into maggots and the maggots then eating the rabbit's flesh. At the very least Flystrike (or myiasis) is extremely uncomfortable, at worst it results in severe pain, shock and death. Flystrike is also a very fast moving condition, as some species of fly produce maggots that mature very rapidly and can start eating flesh within 24 hours.
If you think your rabbit may have flystrike, the first thing to do is call your vet.
RISK FACTORS
There are several factors that can increase your rabbit's susceptibility to flystrike. These include:
- Time of year: flystrike is more common in the summer, but can occur all year round
- Overweight rabbits: obese rabbits have trouble keeping their bottoms clean as they can't reach around to clean them
- Long-haired rabbits: for the same reason above, long-haired breeds have more difficulty keeping clean
-
Rabbits with dental problems: malocclusion or other dental
problems means that rabbits have difficulty pulling burrs and eggs out
of their coats
- Rabbits with wounds: open wounds or abscesses are breeding grounds
for germs, and special care should be taken with regard to flystrike
- Rabbits with loose stools: loose stools and dirty bottoms require more cleaning, thus increasing the risk of flystrike
- Rabbits living in dirty cages: damp and smelly cages attract
flies, and the more flies there are, the more likely it is that they
will lay eggs on your rabbit
WARNING SIGNS
The first symptom of flystrike is often a deviation in normal
behaviour. If your rabbit is either quiet and lethargic, or
alternatively restless, it is worth checking them over for eggs or
maggots. If you find any, the first thing to do is to call your vet
IMMEDIATELY. At this stage, flystrike cannot wait until morning. Then
carefully pick off any maggots, but don't get the fur wet, as the vet
will need to shave the affected area.
PREVENTION
There are several ways in which you can prevent flystrike from
occurring or recurring. Follow these steps and you should never have a
problem:
- Feed your rabbit a healthy diet: plenty of hay for fibre, a mix of
fresh vegetables and not too much good quality extruded rabbit food
- Clean you rabbit out regularly: there is no excuse for not keeping
your rabbit's hutch clean and dry. Remove soiled bedding daily and give
the hutch a complete clean with a suitable disinfectant weekly
- Use a flystrike preventative: there are several flystrike
protectors on the market designed specifically to prevent the condition
occurring, and we recommend always having one in your rabbit first aid
kit. These can protect your rabbit for up to 3 months by stopping
maggots maturing to a stage where they become dangerous
- Check your rabbit regularly: a quick inspection on a daily basis will help you identify any early signs
> use fly repellents: a simple strip of fly paper or a fly screen
near your rabbit's cage will help to stop flies getting too close
By following this guide from thepetextraordinarium.co.uk, you will
significantly minimise the risks of your rabbit catching flystrike. But
if they do, don't panic and do call the vet immediately.
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Source:
Author: Paul Sutton is a director of online pet accessories
supplier, The Pet Extraordinarium, which is devoted to sourcing the best quality products for cats, dogs and
rabbits, enhancing their and their owners' lifestyles, and to raising
awareness of animal welfare and pet care issues. Before establishing The Pet Extraordinarium, Paul enjoyed a ten year career in PR and marketing.
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