Rescued Bunny Health

Question
Hello-
I am an environmental educator at a county park in Nc and I just brought home the last of five lop-eared bunnies that were abandoned in our park. This male was loose for approx. 3 days before being caught. I have a B.S. in Biology and many pets but bunnies were not one of them. I have researched diet, housing, litter training and basic rabbit temprament but I am concerned about what types of parasites or bacteria/viruses he may have been exposed to, especially since I don't know where he came from to begin with. He did have some fleas and seed ticks-I bathed him in kitten shampoo. What about deworming? Is that necessary? If so, should he be dewormed for roundworms AND tapeworms? Are there any immunizations available for rabbits? And I know about neutering-that will have to wait a bit-single parent's budget:) I would like to SLOWLY introduce him to my three cats-any suggestions? Right now he is in a medium-sized kennel in a spare bathroom with a litter box in the kennel-I let him explore a bit in the bathroom when I am present. He appears to be 6 to 8 weeks of age. thanks for any advice!
Tonya

Answer
Dear Tonya,

Thank you for helping to rescue those poor bunnies!  You're in for a treat with a house rabbit.  :)  

Because he was loose in a park, I think it would be a good idea for your local rabbit vet (please find one at www.rabbit.org/vets) to do a fecal flotation test to see if he has roundworms or tapeworms.  Coccidia are also possible, and since you have wild rabbits in your area, parasites that can infect the cottontails might also have started to make a home in your little guy.  (These generally will NOT be contagious to your other pets, however:  these types of parasites are fairly host-specific).

Immunizations are not only not necessary, there are none approved for rabbits in the U.S.  I think a fecal exam and proper treatment of anything found there would be enough.

To rid him of any remaining ticks and fleas, use Revolution (selamectin) from your vet:

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

Cats and rabbits can make wonderful companions for each other.  You can find tips on how to introduce them safely here:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/2-11/cats-and-rabbits.html

Don't be surprised if you suddenly find that Mr. Bunny is ruling the roost!

I hope this helps get you started.  Be sure to visit

www.rabbit.org

for all the most up to date and accurate bunny care information.  And please feel free to write back if you have any other questions.

Dana