dermatitis

Question
Hello,

How long does flea dermatitis present itself after the treatment of fleas? I got my Medusa from a rescue group in December '06. She had fleas, and we gave her Advantage right away. At the time she had what looked like accomanying flea dermatitis. About a dime size area of scabbed skin. It's been 4 mos. and she still has it. I also found a pencil eraser sized scab on her neck. I am pretty sure it is not mites, as it has not spread, and there are not more than a few flakes. She is not scratching the area more than usual. She has also had a husbunny come and go since Dec. and now, and I'm sure he would've contracted mites if she had it. Also pretty sure its not ringworm as there is not pattern and I looked at the skin under a blacklight and found nothing. The rescue head was the one who thought it looked like dermatitis. She said that alot of lops get little bald spots on the back of their necks? Do you know anything about this?

Thank you!

Answer
Dear Melinda,

Since your bunny was treated only with Advantage, I would recommend that you ask your rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

about switching to Revolution (selamectin), which is also effective against mites.  You may not be able to see them, but the signs you describe are typical of mange mites--even if only a slight manifestation.  You can read more here:

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

Another rabbit might not contract the mites, or might not show signs of them if he is otherwise healthy.  It is usually the stressed/immunocompromised rabbit who actually shows symptoms of mite infestation, since most rabbits always harbor a few mites that are kept in check by the immune system in a healthy individual.  It's possible that her history as a shelter rescue has temporarily weakened her, but in a few more months of your care with proper food and housing:

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

...she'll be healthier and better able to fight off the little parasites.  But until then, ask the vet about giving her a little help with Revolution.

Hope that helps.

Dana