lice... fleas..

Question
QUESTION: Well, one day my rabbit or my cousin, she went out to see my rabbit, and she saw this thing jumping around.. But she doesn't know what it is, could it be lice..? or mites or fleas. And how do i get rid of it? And does it die if i don't take care of the problem. Actually, my rabbit grooms itself alot.. I worry about that, please answer fast =)

ANSWER: Dear Susie,

If your rabbit has fleas (which is what that sounds like), then please read:

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

Revolution (selamectin) is a safe and effective remedy for fleas, and you can get it from a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Don't leave this untreated.  The fleas will multiply, and can start to bite you and the whole family.  Not to mention that the poor bunny is miserable if she's grooming herself so much.  Please get her to the vet for some Revolution as soon as possible.

Hope this helps.

Dana

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

QUESTION: Hello, again
i figured that my rabbit does not have fleas. because his fur is snow white and fleas are black. And do really lice go on rabbits? How do i get all the fur out and try to potty train it?

ANSWER: Dear Susie,

Fleas can be very hard to see, even on a white rabbit.  Look for "flea dirt" (crumbly black specks that turn red when wet) on the bunny's skin to confirm flea infestation.  And yes, lice can inhabit rabbits.  Please read the article I sent you before:

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

for complete information, if you really want to help your bunny.  That article also starts with information on how to groom excess fur when your bunny is shedding.

For tips on litterbox training:

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

Hope that helps.

Dana

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

QUESTION: Well, my rabbit (white) doesn't have any black spots, and whne he is wet it doesn't turn red. I think i need tips on holding a rabbit to! It's really hard

Answer
Dear Susie,

PLEASE read the article I sent you for complete information.  I cannot help you if you ignore what I suggest.  If you are not sure your rabbit has a problem, then let a good rabbit vet examine him to be sure:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

For information on how to safely hold your bunny, please see:

http://www.mnhouserabbit.org/care/handling.html

Good luck,

Dana