Mites

Mites that can infest rabbits range from fur mites and ear mites to burrowing mites that cause mange.

Fur mites
Fur mites that infest a rabbit are most commonly Cheyletiella spp. and less commonly Leporacarus gibbus. The highly contagious Cheyletiella spp. mites are zoonotic and can also live on cats and dogs. Sensitive humans may also have irritation from the mites. They are a nonburrowing mite and live on the surface skin layer. Fur mites are often referred to as "walking dandruff" due to the large mite size and excessive flaking of the skin.

The life cycle of Cheyletiella spp. mites is approximately 35 days of which the entirety are spent on the host. Most rabbits do not show symptoms of a fur mite infestation; the disease occurs in young animals, debilitated animals, or those with underlying diseases that prohibit adequate grooming.

Symptoms

 * Loss or thinning of hair along the shoulders and middle back of the rabbit.
 * Dandruff-like flakiness.
 * Itching.

If you have sensitive skin, you may also experience some skin irritation when in contact with a rabbit with fur mites.

Causes
Fur mites can be found in any age of rabbit but is most common in young animals, debilitated animals, or those with underlying diseases that prohibit adequate grooming. They may also be more common in long-haired rabbits.

The inability to groom the rear end or tail base region can contribute to the start of irritation in these areas. A common source of fur mites are pet stores, shelters, and breeders.

Diagnosis
The veterinarian can obtain skin scrapings and sometimes see the mites under a microscope, but not always.

Diseases that can show similar symptoms include ear mite (Psoroptes cuniculi) infestation, mange (rare), flea hypersensitivity dermatitis, ringworm, and bacterial dermatitis.

In some rabbits, the lack of grooming alone can cause an accumulation of flakes without the presences of mites.

Treatment
There are several drug treatments available for rabbits with fur mites.
 * Selamectin [Revolution® (US) or Stronghold® (Europe) - Pfizer] once every three to four weeks for two to three treatments.
 * Ivermectin (topical, oral, subcutaneous) once every 10 to 14 days for two to four treatments.
 * Do not use fipronil [Frontline® - Merial]. Fipronil is effective in eliminating Cheyletiella sp., however, serious adverse effects such as depression, anorexia, seizures, and death have been observed in rabbits, especially young and small ones.
 * Advantage® is not effective against fur mites.
 * Carbaryl powder (5%) can be applied topically once weekly and can also be used to treat the environment.

Additional treatment includes the following:
 * All animals in the household should be treated including cats and dogs.
 * Rabbits should be combed daily to remove skin flakes.
 * Bathing and lime-sulfur rinses can be effective in removing skin flakes but is dangerous to perform on rabbits.
 * The environment should also be treated and regularly cleaned to eliminate the infestation as adult mites can live up to 10 days off of a host. Remove and discard all organic material such as wood and paper products, and replace litter daily during the treatment period.
 * Combs, brushes, and grooming utensils should be replaced or thoroughly disinfected before re-use.

Extra Resources

 * MediRabbit, Esther van Praag Ph.D., Common Fur Mites or Cheyletiellosis
 * Angie Pollock, Treatment for fur mites in rabbits
 * Drs. Foster & Smith, Cheyletiella parasitovorax (Rabbit Fur Mite)
 * BunSpace, Fur Mites- Treating the Bun and Its Living Environment