There will always be a need for vets. That idea, plus my huge love of animals, has led me down the path of becoming a veterinarian. I have not graduated from my course yet, but the reason behind this blog is to share my learning journey. I intend to write blog posts on subjects like the veterinarian education path, my thoughts on whether to be a general or specialist vet and how I wish to use alternative treatments like acupuncture in my practice. If you too have a love of animals and want to make this your job, then my blog will be interesting to you.
Could Your Rabbit Have Fleas?
Fleas are a pest that tends to be associated with cats and dogs, but did you know rabbits can get fleas, too? Fleas can affect rabbits year-round, but they are at increased risk during warm months. Outdoor rabbits can develop a flea infestation from their general environment, while indoor rabbits can get fleas from infected cats and dogs.
Symptoms Of A Flea Infestation
Symptoms of a flea infestation in rabbits can vary a little depending on individual reactions. Common symptoms include excessive scratching and self-biting, and your rabbit may experience hair loss and scaling on their skin. Some rabbits will have visible bite marks, and your rabbit may even develop anaemia as a result of blood loss from a severe flea infestation. A common sign of anaemia in rabbits is the development of pale mucous membranes. Fleas can also cause a bacterial infection of the skin, so you may notice areas of broken skin with redness or swelling.
Diagnosing And Treating A Flea Infestation
If your rabbit is showing signs of a flea infestation the cause may seem pretty obvious. However, rabbits can also be prone to develop an infestation from other parasites, such as skin and ear mites, which can cause similar symptoms. So, it's best to confirm they have fleas by getting your vet to carry out a physical exam and take a skin scraping to confirm the type of parasite that's on your rabbit. If your vet thinks your rabbit may have an infection or anaemia, they may also take some blood tests.
Treating fleas on rabbits is similar to treating fleas on cats and dogs. Powders and ointments can be prescribed for topical application and antibiotics will be prescribed if a bacterial infection is present. Anaemic rabbits may require an intravenous iron infusion, or your vet may recommend temporary dietary supplementation. Any other animals in your home will also need to be treated with an appropriate flea eradication product. Your home will also need to be treated for fleas to prevent re-infestation, and most veterinary practices sell fumigators or sprays for killing fleas in the home.
Regardless of whether your rabbit lives indoors or outdoors, check them over regularly for signs of a flea infestation. Your vet can help you establish a preventative treatment schedule to keep fleas out of your home and off of your pets, so get in touch with them for some advice.
For more information, contact a vet near you.