woves worms

Question
My rabbit was outside rabbit and came home with a wove worm in his neck which we got out.....rabbit is just skin and bones.  I brought him inside to try and nurse him back to health.  We just found alot of holes with a paste like substance coming out. It has a chemical smell coming from this...also some of the skin is gangrene. We squeezed alot of the paste out and found different holes over the rabbit.  We got this on our hands and are concerned if we are in danger of catching something.  Can you answer ASAP?

Answer
Dear Cindy,

You cannot catch anything from this poor rabbit, but you MUST get him to a good rabbit vet immediately if you want to save his life:

www.rabbit.org/vets

It sounds as if he is covered in the empty cysts left by botfly larvae, and they have become infected and are filled with pus (the smelly, paste-like substance).  The bunny needs to be treated with an appropriate, systemic antibiotic that is safe for rabbits (some are deadly, so DO NOT try to medicate the bunny yourself!).  Please read:

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

The bunny undoubtedly needs subcutaneous fluid therapy and other supportive care, so PLEASE get him to the vet ASAP, or you will lose him.  It sounds as if this is an extremely sick rabbit who needs professional care if he is to survive.

Dana