Did you know that rabbits can suffer from scabies? Yes, this disease caused by mites and fungi is susceptible to rabbits. The causes vary, from inadequate cage cleanliness to transmission from other sick rabbits.
If your rabbit is experiencing this skin problem, it can be painful and affect its coat’s beauty. Therefore, let’s find out the causes of scabies in rabbits, the arising symptoms, and how to address it!
Causes of Scabies in Rabbits
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, alongside dogs and cats, with a sizable and easily proliferating population. Due to their rapid growth, rabbits are more vulnerable to diseases.
One such ailment threatening rabbits is skin disorders, such as scabies. This disease attacks the rabbit’s skin, causing discomfort and, in severe cases, significant hair loss.
Scabies in rabbits is caused by a parasitic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. This mite is the most severe ectoparasite (skin parasite) in rabbits. When it infests, rabbits can appear frightening.
According to Dr. Jepriadi Kertawinata, several factors can cause rabbits to suffer from scabies, including:
Cage Cleanliness
The cleanliness of the cage is the primary factor causing skin problems in rabbits. A dirty and damp cage is a breeding ground for bacteria. Scabies can thrive and persist in a humid environment for more than 30 days.
In such conditions, not only mites thrive, but other diseases can also emerge, affecting the rabbit’s health.
Environmental Transmission
Mites can attack living beings, especially humans and animals. One warm-blooded animal frequently attacked is the rabbit. These mites can penetrate the skin, feed on epithelial cells and serum, causing serious skin disorders or fungal infections.
This type of mite is highly contagious and easily spreads. If one rabbit in your cage has scabies, it is advisable to separate it to prevent the sick rabbit from infecting the healthy ones.
Infections in rabbits usually occur within 2-3 weeks (mite egg laying and reproduction).
Symptoms of Rabbit Scabies
Rabbits are prone to contagious diseases, especially dental and skin diseases like scabies. Unfortunately, sick rabbits cannot communicate their condition to their owners. Therefore, special attention from you is the best solution.
You can observe changes in their behavior to indicate any illness or pain in rabbits. In addition to the rabbit’s low immune system, stressed rabbits tend to be more susceptible to illness.
If the weather is unfavorable, check the fur and skin around the rabbit’s tail twice a day.
Also, pay attention to changes in urine color and feces sticking to the rabbit. Clean the waste to prevent fly infestation, as it can be fatal due to the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses by flies.
If a rabbit has scabies, several symptoms may arise, including:
Some rabbits begin to experience hair loss in areas such as the face, head, neck, elbows, abdomen, chest, and legs.
- Scabies causes severe itching, leading rabbits to scratch frequently. Unfortunately, this activity exacerbates hair loss, damages the skin, and increases the risk of infection.
- Skin irritation causes the rabbit’s skin to turn red and inflamed.
- The emergence of bacterial and fungal infections that make rabbits uncomfortable.
- The skin and fur of the rabbit appear more oily.
- Fungal lesions or crusts appear on the rabbit’s skin.
- Some crusts will appear to shed and resemble dandruff.
- Bumps may appear, indicating scabies.
- If left untreated, the rabbit’s skin will appear thickened.
- Rabbits will have difficulty sleeping due to discomfort.
Handling Scabies in Rabbits
Scabies in rabbits can have dangerous consequences. In severe cases, scabies can cause a decrease in appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and even lead to the death of the rabbit.
Therefore, if your pet rabbit shows symptoms or signs of scabies infection, promptly consult with a veterinarian or administer scabies medicine for rabbits.
Veterinarians usually determine whether your rabbit has scabies by examining its fur. If the rabbit has this disease, the veterinarian will prescribe topical or oral medications to kill the mites.
Dr. Jepriadi Kertawinata from KlikDokter mentioned that he usually employs selamectin for treatment and suggested the use of gamal leaves (Gliricidia sepium) for a natural approach.
Nevertheless, there are several care methods you can use to address scabies in rabbits, including:
- Regularly bathe rabbits with a special shampoo from the veterinarian.
- Regularly clean the rabbit’s cage and keep it dry.
- Avoid rabbits interacting with potentially scabies-infected rabbits.
- Administer antibiotics or antifungal drugs to rabbits infected with mites.
- Apply ointment or medicine prescribed by the veterinarian.
Like dogs and cats, rabbits also require care and vaccinations from veterinarians. The goal is to prevent viruses and bacteria. This care will also help rabbits be healthier and live longer.
Moreover, rabbits are also susceptible to mites or fungi. If affected by this skin disorder, rabbits can experience scabies, affecting their health.
Therefore, caring for rabbits is not just about providing healthy food. You must pay attention to the cleanliness of the cage to prevent mites from settling on their bodies.
