How Do You Treat Flystrike in Rabbits?

Flystrike, also referred to as 'myiasis,' is a disease brought about by flies laying eggs on fur, which hatch to become maggots that burrow beneath the skin and feed on flesh. The condition has the ability to grow fast since it only takes just a few hours for flies' eggs to hatch. Flystrike is a painful condition that can be fatal if it isn't treated promptly enough. Keep reading to learn how to effectively treat flystrike in rabbits.

What causes flystrike in rabbits?

Flystrike can affect any rabbit if flies lay eggs on their fur. Nevertheless, there are specific variables that place a rabbit at a higher risk of contracting the disease:

• Season — flystrike is more likely during the hot summer months, when flies are at their most active.


• Mucky bottoms — unclean, moist fur is ideal for flies to lay eggs. If your rabbit's bottom is mucky, they're at danger of flystrike. Diarrhoea, tooth pain, obesity, arthritis or living in a polluted environment are all possible causes for your rabbit's inability to keep their bottom clean.


• Wounds — flies are drawn to wounds and thus will lay their eggs in the vicinity. Always have your rabbit's wounds eva-luated by a veterinarian; they'll teach you how to ensure it's clean and safe.

What are the signs and symptoms of rabbit flystrike?

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of flystrike:

• Maggots in the fur or beneath the skin


• Wet fur patches and hair loss (mostly around the back end)


• Sores or open wounds with maggots or fly eggs


• Tiredness (low energy)


• Eating less


• A foul odour


• Collapse

How do you treat flystrike in rabbits at home?

If your rabbit is suffering from flystrike, this is a critical situation. Do not put it off any longer. You must take your rabbit to a veterinarian right away.

Flystrike is an extremely dangerous disease that, unfortunately, is often fatal. Rabbits, on the other hand, can heal completely provided the problem is identified and treated immediately.

What is the best technique to keep flies away from my rabbit?

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to drastically lower your rabbits' chances of contracting flystrike:

• Keeping them tidy


• Examine them on a regular basis


• Use a repellent to keep the flies away


• Provide nutritious food for them


• Keep them active


• Cut any lengthy hair


• Keep an eye on the wounds


• Have your rabbits' health checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis

Treatment

Flystrike is a medical emergency that necessitates immediate veterinarian attention. Your veterinarian will inspect your rabbit, evaluate their health, and recommend the best approach for you. If your rabbit's condition is manageable, your veterinarian will cut their fur, clean their skin, and get rid of as many maggots as they can. To prevent causing your rabbit any further pain or anguish, this will almost always have to be performed under anaesthetic. Your rabbit's suffering will be relieved, and medication will be given to kill any residual maggots or eggs. If your rabbit is in shock or dehydrated, they may also require a fluid drip, as well as medications if they have an infection.

Here is one of the best products to help treat flystrike in rabbits:

Johnson's Fly Strike Protector

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This blog post was written on behalf of Vet Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.