Rabbit has severe skin irritation

Question
Hi Dana
We have two small rabbits about one yr old. They live in a large cage,previously used to house chickens. One of the rabbits has developed bad skin irritation down one side. We were adVised by our horse vet that the problem was tick infestion from the chickens. We have subsequently tried to disinfect/wash out the cage, and have given the rabbit two doses of Revolution about 1 month apart. The degree of scabbing only seems to get worse. Most of one side is now covered while the other side is not. Also, the other rabbit seems to be unaffected. The overall condition of both rabbits fur is mangey though. The rabbits are allowed to run freely around our property during the day and have good access to water, pellets and any thing else they choose. We lock them in the cage at night
Any advice you can offer

Answer
Dear Ian,

What dose of Revolution are you using?  Too low will fail to kill the mites and ticks.  If you are using the cat/puppy solution (60mg/ml), you need to administer 0.1cc/kg, and if the big dog solution (120mg/ml), then 0.05cc/kg.

If there is a large population of ticks/mites outdoors, then they could be constantly reinfected and bitten, despite the Revolution, since it works only once the parasites bite.  Please read:

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

It is possible that this is a fungal or bacterial infection, as well.  Proper diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian experienced with rabbits is in order.  I hope you can find one with the International Vet Listings linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope your bunnies will be well soon, once they get proper treatment by a good vet.  Good luck!

Dana