Cosima
Well-known member
Has anyone healed a rabbit of scabies?
Has anyone healed a rabbit of scabies?
- Thread starter Cosima
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Since no one has answered... I didn't even know rabbits could get scabies, but I found this online; maybe it will help? https://ie.meridianfarmersmarket.org/2646-how-to-treat-ear-scabies-in-rabbits.html#:~:text=A good method of treating rabbit ears with,using traditional methods, you should consult a veterinarian.
If it were me, I would try chlorine dioxide solution (CDS) also known as MMS. It's very popular in the natural health community right at the moment and I did use it as a topical spray to treat (successfully and at a greatly reduced cost) my dog's ear mites. I don't know whether that's the same thing as the rabbits get, but I suspect it would work irregardless.
If it were me, I would try chlorine dioxide solution (CDS) also known as MMS. It's very popular in the natural health community right at the moment and I did use it as a topical spray to treat (successfully and at a greatly reduced cost) my dog's ear mites. I don't know whether that's the same thing as the rabbits get, but I suspect it would work irregardless.
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RabbitsOfTheCreek
Netherland Dwarf Breeder & Well-known Member
What is scabies?
Cosima
Well-known member
Scabies is a mite called borrowing mites and it is a rabbit killer in the tropics.
In humans it is a microscopic mite that burrows just under the skin, leaving raised "tunnels" that itch like the devil. It used to be nearly impossible to kill, but now I believe they use Ivermectin (internally) to treat it. Currently Ivermectin can be challenging to get ahold of in the "free" (or maybe not so free) world because of well, politics... It works for cows, chickens, sheep, goats, dogs & cats, humans, for all sorts of parasites. But yes, I believe that is what they give people for scabies. I think it's probably safe for all mammals, but that's not intended to be medical advice.
Cosima
Well-known member
I have tried ivermectin but it doesn’t work and it might actually kill the rabbits if they are not strong. Now of course I am in Indonesia so I don’t even know if it is real ivermectin.
RabbitsOfTheCreek
Netherland Dwarf Breeder & Well-known Member
Ok thank you
Scabies can be very persistent. I just saw your earlier thread and that you had given her ivermectin. In an active infestation, I think you can give her the iver daily for up to three days. (At least that has been suggested for humans.) After that, once a week. (Again, in humans) It's a fairly benign medication. If you are thinking of putting her down anyway, then what harm can it do? Ivermectin was discovered/developed in India. I would trust Indian Ivermectin sooner than made in the USA.
I will say though, that you'll need to be careful to keep her from developing a secondary infection in the skin lesions, especially in your warm, moist climate. Plus, even if you have successfully killed off all the mites, she will be miserable for some time just from the itching. AND if you don't keep dosing for at least a month, eggs can still hatch. Ivermectin does not kill the eggs, so with this kind of parasite it's important to continue for a month--or maybe a bit longer, just to be safe.
I will say though, that you'll need to be careful to keep her from developing a secondary infection in the skin lesions, especially in your warm, moist climate. Plus, even if you have successfully killed off all the mites, she will be miserable for some time just from the itching. AND if you don't keep dosing for at least a month, eggs can still hatch. Ivermectin does not kill the eggs, so with this kind of parasite it's important to continue for a month--or maybe a bit longer, just to be safe.
Cosima
Well-known member
I already put her (B)down because I was trying to treat for 4 months or more and the scabies never stopped. but now I have a other rabbit with scabies and I will try three treatments in the same time. I will dip his (Danny) paws in onion and coconut oil daily, I will give him revolution for cats every month and ivermectin every three days.
Ivermectin every day for three consecutive days, then once a week for 4-6 weeks. That is what I would do. Hopefully it works.
