Mites or ringworm (fungal infection)

Question
QUESTION: Hi Dana

I just took Casper my 10 year old netherland dwarf to a local vet.  Casper is going through a mold right now.  I have noticed flakiness.  Then last night I notice a major bald spot on his neck.  I did some research and found your article and others on fur mites, and I was 99% sure that what Casper has...the vet said he did not think that was it because Casper is not around any other animals. It was round in diameter so he thought it could be more of a fungal infection than fur mites (Mange).  He took a sample and is testing for the ringworm.  I just finished brushing Casper and have found several more bald spots, they are located from his neck to his back/rump area.  Is it possible to have fur mites without being around other animals?  My plan tomorrow is to take him to another vet for a 2nd opinion.  In the mean time I will be using the ointment that the vet gave me today.  Can Ivermectin be given orally?  Luckily Casper doesn't seem to be bothered by this, I guess it is bothering me more than him.

Thanks for any advice that you can give me.

Thanks,
Carrie & Casper

ANSWER: Dear Carrie,

Yes, it's absolutely possible for your bunny to get mites without being around other animals.  Many rabbits harbor subclinical populations of mites (usually around the rear end) all the time, but show them only when they are stressed (season changing and shedding could be enough of a trigger in a very sensitive rabbit).  Flaky skin and fur loss are classic signs of fur mites.

Please find a vet who is more familiar with rabbit skin problems by using the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Revolution (selamectin), topically applied, is more effective, in my experience, than ivermectin, and it lasts 2-4 weeks.  It has always worked very well against fur mites, when we've had them.

Hope that helps!

Dana

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

QUESTION: Dana,

Thanks for the advice.  Does Revolution just come in one form for example same as dogs & cats.  What dosage should a 3 lb netherland receive?

Thanks,
Carrie & Casper

Answer
Dear Carrie,

The Revoltion concentration is the same, no matter what the size of the tube.  So any of them will do.  We'd use about 5-8  drops on the back of the neck of a bunny of about 2kg, and the low end of that dose would probably be just fine for your little guy.

Hope that helps.

Dana