Black Scabs on my rabbit

Question
I was alarmed to find that my 6yr old white rabbit has 3 large (about 1 cm diam) black scabs on his skin.  One on the mid line half way down his back, one on the inside base of his right ear and the last on the outside base of his left ear.

I found about 10 round insects on his face.  They seems to big to be fleas but jumped and tried to burrow away from me as I picked them off.

I also thought he had signs of rabbit mite again but the vet thought not.  She may be right as the last time he had mites it gave me severe asthma.

The vet thinks the scabs are from injuries. There is no sign of old blood and he could not clean himself in these areas.  I think it may be myxomatosis despite the fact that he has been injected annually.  He runs free in the garden regulary and we have wild rabbits around his cage and in the garden daily.  We have definitely had myxtsis in previous years in the wild rabbits.  I have scrubbed his cage, sprayed him with anit-flea and given himn a love.

What do you think and what else should I do?

Suzette

Answer
Dear Suzette,

I can't see the bunny, so I can't diagnose long distance.  But I'll give you my best guesses.

The location of the scabs suggests that he's scratching himself raw.  The insects, if they jumped, were fleas--even if they were big ones (there are many species).  And he might also have a case of ear mites.

The best and safest medication to control both mites and flease is Revolution (selamectin), which I think goes by a different name in the UK.  Please ask your vet about getting him some, and I'll bet anything this cures the problem.

I hope this helps.

Dana