Pet rabbits kept outdoors can be vulnerable to flystrike in the summer months. The disease is caused by blowflies laying their eggs on the rabbit, usually in sticky faeces that are stuck to the rabbit's hindquarters. The eggs hatch and turn into maggots, which eat the rabbit from within, causing significant tissue damage and releasing toxins. According to The House Rabbit Society, it can take as little as 24 hours for a rabbit to enter a terminal state of shock due to maggot infestation.
What Causes Flystrike?
The warm summer months are ideal conditions for flystrike. Flies are looking for warm, moist areas to lay their eggs, and are attracted by the odor of urine and faeces. The problem can be minimized by putting fly mesh over the front of the hutch.
Overweight and inactive rabbits are most at risk from flystrike, as are large rabbits with heavy dewlaps. If the fur is wet or soiled, this will attract flies.
Rabbit owners include fresh greens as part of the pet's diet, but too many greens in the diet can cause the stools to become runny and stick to the bottom. The hutch must be kept scrupulously clean during the summer months and checked every day. Faeces should not be allowed to build up in the corners of the hutch. The animal itself should be checked every day for symptoms, especially around the rear opening.
Symptoms and Treatment of Flystrike
Symptoms include listlessness, seizures, and the physical presence of maggots on the hindquarters. The rabbit may also have skin ulceration and soreness, particularly near the bottom.
Any rabbit owner noticing these symptoms should immediately contact a vet. This is not a "wait and see" condition. Unless the rabbit is treated immediately, it will die a painful death. Maggots that are visible can be removed with tweezers if possible. The area should not be washed, as damp fur makes the condition worse.
The vet may use a variety of treatments to deal with the disease, depending on the severity of symptoms. The rabbit may be sedated and anaesthetised, all maggots removed, and then treated with antibiotics to treat any infection. The rabbit may also need intravenous fluid therapy. The wounds will need to be cleaned, possibly stitched, and treated with iodine.
In summary, flystrike is a terrible disease, but if owners take the precautions listed above, the threat may be minimised. The rabbit must be kept dry and clean and checked every day in the summer months. Always contact a vet at the first sign of flystrike.
Sources:
"Fly Strike" House Rabbit Society
"Fly Strike" Galens Garden Rabbit and Healthcare
"Veterinary care of a giant lop rabbit with severe fly strike" World Wide Wounds
Louise Jones - I have always enjoyed writing as a hobby, but started writing reviews online in February 2010 for Dooyoo, and later Ciao. In the beginning ...
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