Mites

Fur mites
Fur mites that infest a rabbit are most commonly Cheyletiella spp. and less commonly Leporacarus gibbus.

Symptoms

 * loss of 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.

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

Treatment
There are several 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.

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