Fur Loss and flaking

Question
Hi!!
My rabbit bush-bush,he is almost 4 months old, losing his fur on the nose and feet... I already knew that it is a fur mites but I don't enough money to take him in a rabbit vet. and i just washing it a non-toxic dog soap every other day. Is there any first aid or prevention that I can do until I can afford (maybe before christmas) to take him in a vet.?

It is so painful for me to see him like that. I really need your advice. Thanx

Answer
Hi Hillary,

It is also very painful to Bush-Bush too.  I would not use any dog soap as a shampoo.  A rabbit's skin is much different than a dog or cat and things that are fine for them can be very harmful to rabbits.  Many of the over the counter meds found at pet stores can be fatal to rabbits....the flea treatment Frontline is a prime example of how rabbits respond differently to these treatments...and Frontline is nearly always fatal.

To eradicate the mites, you have to treat with several treatments based on the reproductive cycle of the particular mite.  The first treatment will get the adults, the second gets any that have hatched from eggs since the previous treatment and the third treatment would be a final mop up.  Since you must use a toxin, it is advisable to treat under the watch of a rabbit savvy vet.  Most vets treat with Ivermectin so the charges would be minimal.  Most likely a basic physical exam charge and the costs of the entire Ivermectin treatment is very reasonable. The vets also have a much more effective treatment known as Revolution.  It is highly effective and safe when dosed properly.  It is a little pricey.  Ivermectin can be purchased without prescription, Revolution requires a prescription.  Since these are technically toxic substances, like any medical treatment, dosing is critical and an overdose of either of these drugs will result in bad things happening.

Due to the risks of using a toxin, the only ethical advice I can give you is to seek the assistance of a vet.  If these mites are not quickly controlled, they will lead to other problems that get costly.  It is much cheaper to get the mites eradicated than to have to fight the other problems that will come.  Some vets realize the situation many of us are in and are willing to work with you on a payment plan.  I would expect your cost here to be minimal.  

As far as soothing the skin....we use an oatmeal based shampoo.  The particular product we use is strictly a veterinary product but there are oatmeal based shampoos available for humans.  Oatmeal does have a soothing effect and may provide some relief.  It would probably make Bush-Bush feel better if only for a brief time.  But do your best to get to a vet so a proper treatment protocol can be implemented.