Should Rabbits Be Dewormed Like Dogs?
"Doctor, we just bought a rabbit. Does it need deworming like a dog?"
In fact, rabbits commonly face both external and internal parasite issues. Because of this, it's strongly recommended that new rabbit owners take their pet to a veterinary clinic soon after purchase. A professional examination can help determine whether the rabbit is sick or has any parasitic infections.
During the visit, the veterinarian can also provide accurate advice on proper rabbit care, including diet, housing, and preventive health measures. Investing this time early on helps ensure a healthy start and a better life for your new companion.
Today, let's take a look at some of the more common parasites that affect rabbits. In general, parasites are divided into three main categories: external parasites, digestive tract parasites, and internal parasites.
External Parasites of Rabbits
External parasites found on rabbits include ear mites, fur mites, burrowing mites, fleas, lice, Demodex mites, and fly larvae. The following introduces the five most commonly seen pathogens in clinical practice.
1. Ear Mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) in Rabbits
Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) are a common type of mite that infests the ear canals of rabbits. These parasites feed on the tissue fluids and can cause significant irritation to the ear lining.
When infestations become severe, rabbits may develop ulcerations and a buildup of thick, crusty scabs within the outer ear canal. The affected area may appear inflamed, and rabbits often shake their heads, scratch, or hold their ears in an unusual position due to discomfort.
Because these mites are relatively large and mobile, they can sometimes be seen with the naked eye. Observers might notice small white specks moving inside the ear canal — a clear sign of an active infestation.
Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications. Veterinary care typically includes cleaning the ears and administering appropriate anti-parasitic medications.
2. Fur Mites in Rabbits (Cheyletiella parasitovorax, Leporacus gibbus)
Fur mites are parasites that commonly affect rabbits, particularly species such as Cheyletiella parasitovorax and Leporacus gibbus. These mites often cause thick layers of dandruff and dermatitis, especially around the tail, neck, and eyes.
In addition to irritating the rabbit's skin, fur mites can transmit to humans, leading to itching, redness, and mild skin inflammation. Owners who frequently handle infected rabbits may notice these symptoms on exposed skin areas.
Rabbits that suffer heavy mite infestations are often those with underlying health issues such as obesity, spinal injuries, or dental misalignment. These conditions can make grooming difficult, allowing mites to multiply unchecked.
Prevention and Care
Regular grooming, maintaining a clean living environment, and periodic veterinary checkups are essential for preventing fur mite infestations. Early detection and proper treatment can relieve discomfort for the rabbit and reduce the risk of transmission to humans.
3. Sarcoptic Mange in Rabbits
Overview
Sarcoptic mange (caused by Notoedres cati or Sarcoptes scabiei) is a severe parasitic skin disease that affects a rabbit's skin and overall health. The mites responsible for this condition burrow into the skin, producing hardened, thick crusts that often develop on areas such as the face, muzzle, lips, external genital region, ear margins, and limbs, especially around the paws.
Clinical Features
The characteristic crusts are firm and difficult to remove, and in severe infestations, these crusty layers can accumulate so extensively that they form shell-like coverings around the limbs. Affected rabbits often show restricted movement due to the thickness of the crusts, and intense itching is also a prominent symptom, indicating substantial skin irritation.
Impact on Animal Welfare
Besides the discomfort and mobility issues caused by the hardened skin, rabbits suffering from sarcoptic mange frequently experience behavioral stress from severe itching. Early diagnosis and veterinary treatment are crucial to relieve symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and restore the rabbit's quality of life.
4. Fleas in Rabbits
In Taiwan, most fleas found on rabbits are actually cat fleas—the same species commonly found on dogs and cats. Flea infestations often occur through direct or indirect contact with stray cats and dogs outdoors. Sometimes, fleas can also attach to a person's pants or shoes after walking through grassy areas and be carried back home.
Once brought indoors, fleas can quickly spread throughout the household environment, posing a threat not only to rabbits but also to other pets such as dogs, cats, and rodents. After a rabbit becomes infested with fleas, small black specks resembling grains of sand (flea feces) may appear on its fur. The rabbit may experience intense itching, red rashes, and frequent scratching.
Through regular grooming and licking, rabbits can accidentally ingest fleas, which increases the risk of secondary infections such as tapeworms. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain flea control in both pets and their living environments to prevent cross-species transmission.
5. Understanding Rabbit Lice (Haemodipsus ventricosus)
Lice (Haemodipsus ventricosus) are a type of parasite more commonly found on wild rabbits. However, if pet stores obtain their rabbits from breeding facilities that are already infected, these lice may also appear on domestic rabbits.
Although lice themselves generally do not cause serious disease, and rabbits rarely develop skin inflammation or itching as a direct result of lice infestation, these parasites can act as carriers of certain infectious diseases, including myxomatosis and tularaemia. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant and take preventive measures when caring for rabbits.
Key Points to Remember
- Lice are more common in wild rabbits but can spread through infected breeding sources.
- They are not highly pathogenic but can transmit dangerous diseases.
- Regular health checks and hygiene management are essential for rabbit owners.
Gastrointestinal Parasites in Rabbits
Common gastrointestinal parasites in rabbits include nematodes, tapeworms, and protozoa.
1. Nematode Infections in Rabbits
Nematodes (roundworms) are more commonly found in wild rabbits than in pet rabbits. Wild rabbits are frequently exposed to contaminated soil or vegetation, which increases their likelihood of contracting intestinal parasites such as nematodes and roundworms.
In pet rabbits, these infections are relatively rare due to better hygiene, controlled environments, and regular veterinary care. However, when young rabbits become heavily infected, they may develop intestinal inflammation or other digestive problems.
Overall, most nematode species in rabbits have low pathogenicity, meaning they seldom cause serious disease. Maintaining sanitary living conditions and monitoring your rabbit's health are usually enough to prevent problems related to these parasites.
2. Tapeworm Infection in Rabbits
Rabbits can become infected with tapeworms after accidentally ingesting the feces of dogs or cats, or by swallowing fleas while grooming themselves. These parasites can pose serious health risks depending on how the infection occurs.
If a rabbit ingests certain types of tapeworm segments, the larvae can migrate from the digestive tract to the liver or mesentery, where they form cysts. Heavy infections may lead to abdominal discomfort, stunted growth, and other health issues.
Alternatively, if the rabbit ingests a flea carrying tapeworm larvae, the tapeworm will develop and grow within the intestines. Infected rabbits may have visible signs of the parasite, such as small, white, mobile segments around the anal area.
3. Coccidia Infection in Rabbits
Protozoa, Coccidia are among the most common intestinal parasites affecting rabbits. Different species of coccidia can cause various types of diseases, each with differing severity and symptoms.
Studies have shown that more than 14 species of coccidia exist in nature that are capable of infecting rabbits. Among these, Eimeria magna and Eimeria irresidua are considered the most pathogenic. When these species inhabit the gastrointestinal tract, they can lead to severe diarrhea and internal bleeding, often resulting in serious health complications.
Another species, Eimeria stiedae, primarily targets the liver. Infection can cause liver abscesses, suppuration, and in severe cases, death. Because these parasites thrive in environments contaminated with feces, maintaining proper hygiene and regular veterinary monitoring is essential to prevent outbreaks.
Prevention and Management
Good sanitation, dry and clean living conditions, and proper diet management play crucial roles in minimizing the risk of coccidial infections. In suspected cases, timely diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid complications and reduce transmission among rabbitries.
Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection in Rabbits
Among internal protozoan infections in rabbits, Encephalitozoon cuniculi is the most commonly encountered species. This microorganism is an intracellular parasite that grows and reproduces within the host's cells.
Transmission
The primary route of transmission occurs through contact with, and subsequent ingestion or inhalation of, urine from infected rabbits. Vertical transmission may also occur, with mother rabbits passing the parasite to their offspring via the placenta.
Preferred Sites of Infection
E. cuniculi tends to thrive in organs with a rich blood supply—particularly the lungs, kidneys, and liver. The infection leads to the formation of granulomatous lesions in affected tissues.
Clinical Symptoms
Infected rabbits may display various neurological symptoms such as head tilt, nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), ataxia (loss of coordination), rolling, and seizures. In addition to these neurological signs, other complications such as cataracts, panophthalmitis (severe inflammation of the eye), pneumonia, hepatitis, kidney failure, and even heart failure are fairly common. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
Prevention and Care for Rabbits
In daily life, proper care for rabbits goes beyond providing a balanced and nutritious diet. Regular preventive measures are equally important to keep them healthy and comfortable.
If your rabbit frequently goes outdoors or visits parks and open spaces, it is recommended to apply an external parasite prevention treatment once a month. In Taiwan, two safe and commonly used options for rabbits are Revolution and Frontline.
Always consult a veterinarian before use to confirm the correct dosage and method of application. Misuse or over-application of antiparasitic treatments can lead to poisoning and may even be life-threatening for rabbits.
Responsible care and preventive health routines are key to ensuring your rabbit lives a long and happy life.
