skin mite

Question
my bunnie Ollie has skin mite the vet said but when he took a sample first it didn't show up so I then went back as his skin got no better and got more bald patches he then put spot on on the back of his neck and gave me some medication to give him for a week which i have done the vet said if this doesn't work he will have 2 have injections  he said over time this will be toxic for the rabbit I just don't no what to do is there any other things I try before going on to the injections Please help
Sarah and Oliie xxxx

Answer
Dear Sarah,

We have used Revolution (selamectin), the topical medication you probably were given, with great success.  But it will take about a week or ten days before the mange or other mite signs go away, so do give it some time.  We use 6-8 drops on the back of the neck, so if only one drop was given, that might not be enough.

Injectible ivermectin is probably the other drug the vet mentions. It is safe for rabbits, and should not be toxic over time, as it does not stay in the system for long.  I'm not sure if he meant some other medication, but ivermectin is the one injectible used for mites.

You might want to find another rabbit vet for a second opinion, if things don't work out with this one.

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana