Worms in Rabbit Pellets

Question
I noticed tiny white worms had invested my bunny's pellets.  He must have eaten some. I threw all that food out and until I could get more he was eating only hay and veggies and bits of apple.  He's back on pellets now, but I've noticed his droppings aren't as large and round, and he doesn't seem to be urinating as much.  He's only 5 1/2 months old, and he's a lionhead rabbit.  He seems to be fine otherwise - very energetic and eating and seems happy. Should I be concerned about this?

Answer
Dear Betsy,

It's not likely that eating a few beetle larvae (which is probably what these were; weevils sometimes infest commercial rabbit pellets) will harm him.  The only possible problem might happen if the weevils in your pellets were infected with tapeworm cysticercus (larvae), which would mean your bunny could get an intestinal tapeworm from eating the weevils.  This is not common, but it's not impossible.

If you are concerned about this, take a very fresh fecal sample to your local rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and ask them to do a fecal flotation exam to see if there are any parasites.  That will at least set your mind at ease.  While you're there, your bunny can get his first overall wellness exam.  It's a good idea to develop a professional relationship with a good rabbit vet *before* you need one!  :)

Lionhead rabbits are prone to dental problems (e.g., molar spurs), so it's wise to keep ahead of the game and have regular, annual checkups to be sure all is well.  You can read more here:

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

I hope that helps!

Dana