Fly strike is an unpleasant and potentially deadly condition caused by fly eggs on a rabbit hatching and eating the rabbit's flesh.There are many factors that can make a rabbit more vulnerable to fly strike.The risk of fly strike is higher when there are more flies around.Knowing all the risk factors and how to assess your rabbit's risks can greatly reduce the likelihood of him getting fly strike.
Step 1: Don't forget to check for fly strike.
Every rabbit should be checked twice a day in warm or hot weather to look for fly eggs.The rabbit needs to be picked up and inspected for all areas, including under the tail, groin, genital area, skin folds, and tail base.
Step 2: Look for fly eggs.
When checking your rabbit, you should know what you are looking for.Fly eggs are white.There are different sizes of maggots from short thread to plumper and worm like objects.
Step 3: Eggs or flies can be removed.
Use a disposable towel to wipe away eggs.If you have to remove any flies, seek veterinary assistance.If the skin is damaged, remove as many of those on the surface as you can and seek veterinary attention for those that have burrowed deeper into the tissue.Eggs take a long time to hatch out, so it is possible for a rabbit that was clear at breakfast to have a fly strike by the evening.It is important to check twice a day.
Step 4: If your rabbit has fly strike, take it to the vet.
If it's not treated quickly, it could kill your rabbit.In addition to making sure your rabbit is completely free of flies and eggs, your vet will probably prescribe a preventative medicine to stop further infections.
Step 5: Understand flies and fly strike to avoid it.
Adult flies lay eggs during the fly life cycle.These eggs need to be fed in order to grow and hatch out as adults.The rotting flesh is usually eaten by the maggots.Eggs are laid in live flesh instead of dead carcasses when flies strike rabbits.The eggs hatch in a matter of hours.If the rabbits are not spotted quickly, they can die from shock.The flies aren't likely to be attracted to healthy tissue.Problems occur when flies are attracted to damp skin, an area of skin covered in urine or feces, or both.The risk of fly strike is greatest for rabbits with health problems and those kept in poor conditions.
Step 6: You should keep your rabbit's cage clean.
Make sure your rabbit's enclosure is kept clean.If you have dirty bedding, remove it on a daily basis and replace it with clean.If the rabbit uses a litter tray, it's a good idea to clean it out daily.A dirty rabbit with lots of pellets and urine stained bedding is a common cause of fly strike.The smell of urine or feces attracts flies.The flies will be attracted to the area if the rabbit has been sitting in damp bedding, smells of urine, or is damaged by urine scald.
Step 7: Make sure your rabbit's fur is clean.
Check your rabbit's fur around the anus to make sure there are no pellets.This could be used to attract flies.Carefully use scissors or tease out the fur if it is dirty.
Step 8: There are health issues that could lead to uncleanliness.
There are certain health conditions that can increase the risk of a rabbit being dirty around its anus.A rabbit with a problem with their bladder is more likely to soil themselves if they don't pass urine regularly.It's a big risk factor that diarrhea sticks to fur.Always seek veterinary attention for both conditions.Take the rabbit's vegetables and fruit and feed it hay.If it doesn't eat the hay, it may starve itself.
Step 9: Dental problems can be treated.
Rabbits with overgrown teeth or dental pain are prone to soiling around the rear end because they are not able to groom themselves.It is important to get the dental issues fixed.A mainly hay diet is needed to keep the teeth at the correct length after they have been filed.
Step 10: More often, check rabbits with physical limitations.
The overweight rabbits can't bend and clean the pellets from their rear end.They are at risk of getting pellets stuck in their fur.The key to prevention is keeping the rabbit at a healthy weight by feeding a diet of mostly hay, supplement with fresh vegetables and only a dessert spoon of pellets a day.If your rabbit is already overweight, it's essential to perform twice daily checks as they are at greater risk of fly strike.Slowly reduce their weight by cutting back on their pellets and using hay.You should check rabbits with arthritis more often.A stiff arthritic rabbit is more prone to become dirty.Meloxicam is suitable for use in rabbits and can be supplied by your vet.Daily checks are still essential.
Step 11: Fly strike can be prevented by using a product.
For 8 - 10 weeks, Rearguard stops eggs from hatching.It is sprayed onto the fur with a single dose and then wet down to the skin.It is left to dry.Rearguard stops any eggs that are laid from hatching into maggots.It is a tool to help prevent fly strike but it should not replace good clean bedding conditions, regular checks, or attend to your rabbit's health problems.
Step 12: Repel flies.
If you can, eliminate flies around the rabbit.Fly zapper is a blue light that kills flies.Use sticky fly papers to keep the rabbit's home free of food debris that might attract insects.If you want to grow herbs with fly repelling properties, grow them next to an outdoor hutch or in pots inside.There are also lavender, rue, and green oregano.