Worms??? In Bunnies??

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
Just today I was cleaning my bunnies cage and when I finished, she went over to her bathroom corner and went poop, I noticed her poop had little white worms crawling on the droppings. Are they worms or maggots? If so how do I stop it? Does she have fly strike? I clean her cage out twice a week, and I checked her genital area and it was perfectly clean, no signs of infection or redness. Have any idea?

Thanks,
Hannah

ANSWER: FOLLOWUP:
Hi, Hannah

If your bunny is bonded to another bunny, DO NOT separate them! This could result in their "unbonding" and fighting when reintroduced!
If the two have been together already, then the partner is most likely already exposed to the pinworms, and *anyone* exposed should be treated for pinworms.

Glad to know the problem is nothing serious, though.

Dana

*****




Dear Hannah,

If your bunny has fly strike, it is an emergency.  The most common place the maggots would be found are around the genitals and rear end.  You can't really mistake them for anything else, and the bunny will be very miserable.  The whole genital area will be puffy and inflamed due to reaction to the maggots' secretions.

Undiluted betadine can be used to flush maggots out of wounds where they may have retreated under the skin, but you must get every single one off him, because they will come back and reinfest the wounds.

This is a very serious condition, and if there is severe damage, you may need to take him to the vet.

Any outdoor bunny can be at risk of fly strike.  Here are some informational resources that can help you tell what fly strike looks like and how to treat it.

http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2006/february/Cousquer/Veterinary-Lop-Rabbit-Fly-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FC2TVwgJxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1CBsPs6AiQ&feature=related

Check NOW, and if he really does have fly strike, consider it an emergency and get your bunny to the vet NOW.

If you see worms *in* the poops, they might be nematode parasites.  To get these identified, take fresh ones to the vet with you, and the vet will be able to prescribe appropriate medication.

Hope this helps.

Dana

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Dana,
Thank you for your very helpful answers! The vet recommended that I use Wazine 17% 2 tablespoons to every gallon of water. My rabbit is pregnant will it do anything to harm the kits?

Thank you again!
Hannah

Answer
Dear Hannah,

I do not know of anyone who uses Wazine (piperazine) for treatment of nematodes in rabbits, so I cannot tell you about its safety or efficacy in rabbits.  The usual drug for this is Panacur (fenbendazole), which can cause fetal problems and trigger abortion.

You might want to ask about using Revolution (selamectin) or ivermectin, both of which can be used on very young animals.  These might be a safer option.

Please also read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html

Hope this helps.

Dana