Flystrike, also known as myiasis, is a serious and often rapid condition where flies lay their eggs on a rabbit’s skin, leading to an infestation of larvae or maggots.
These maggots, within a short period, begin to feed on the rabbit’s flesh, leading to tissue damage, painful sores, and potentially life-threatening infections.
The condition occurs predominantly in warmer months when flies are most active, but it can happen at any time of the year.
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Causes of Flystrike in Rabbits
“Flystrike is generally initiated when flies are attracted to damp or dirty fur, wounds, or the scent of urine or faeces on a rabbit’s coat.”, says Dr Abhishek Shokeen, Veterinarian, BVSc & AH.
Certain species of flies, such as the green bottle fly or blowflies are primarily responsible for flystrike in rabbits.
Environmental Factors:
- Warm and humid conditions provide an ideal breeding ground for flies, increasing the risk of flystrike.
- Outdoor rabbits or those housed in unclean environments are at higher risk.
Rabbit-Specific Factors:
- Dr Abhishek Shokeen, Veterinarian, BVSc & AH, mentions that Rabbits with urinary incontinence, hind limb paralysis or any condition that leads to urine dribbling and scalding also attract flies.
- Urine dribbling refers to a situation where a rabbit cannot control its bladder properly, leading to involuntary leakage of urine.
- Scalding occurs when a rabbit’s skin is repeatedly exposed to urine. It can be a direct result of urine dribbling or poor hygiene.
- Rabbits with dental problems, obesity, arthritis, or any condition that prevents them from grooming themselves properly can be more susceptible to flystrike as they may not be able to keep their rear end clean.
- Unspayed female rabbits are at higher risk, as they may attract flies during their season.
The Impact on Rabbits
Flystrike can swiftly escalate in severity, causing significant discomfort, stress, and pain to affected rabbits. The maggots release toxins as they feed, which can lead to further complications such as shock and organ failure, making immediate intervention crucial.
Short-Term Impact:
- Intense itching, redness around the area and alopecia(hair loss)
- Potential for secondary bacterial infections.
Long-Term Impact:
- If not treated promptly, flystrike can result in serious systemic issues, including septicemia (blood infection), and tissue necrosis, and could ultimately be fatal.
Symptoms of Flystrike in Rabbits
Flystrike can rapidly deteriorate a rabbit’s health, making early detection and prompt treatment essential. It is crucial for rabbit owners to be aware of and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of flystrike to ensure timely intervention.
Early Signs Of Flystrike in Rabbits
- Restlessness and Agitation: Affected rabbits may exhibit increased agitation and restlessness, continuously licking or biting at a particular area of their body.
- Unpleasant Odor: A foul smell may emanate from the rabbit, often an early indicator of maggot infestation.
- Changes in Behavior: Sudden changes in behaviour, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, can be initial signs of flystrike.
Progression of Symptoms
- Visible Maggots: In progressed cases, maggots may be visible in the fur, particularly around the hindquarters or any wounded areas.
- Wet or Matted Fur: Fur may appear wet, matted, or stained, often an indication of a wound or faecal/urine matter attracting flies.
- Skin Inflammation and Redness: Affected areas of the skin may become inflamed, red, and sore, with reduced hair density leading to hair loss, says Dr Abhishek.
Severe Symptoms
- Tissue Damage: Advanced cases will show significant tissue damage where the maggots have been feeding.
- Shock: In severe advanced cases or the cases not treated appropriately, the secondary infection reaches a stage where the bacteria spreads throughout the body and causes septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes, says Dr Abhishek.
Treatment Options
Effectively treating flystrike requires immediate action and often a multi-faceted approach. Timely medical intervention significantly increases the likelihood of a rabbit’s full recovery, ensuring the elimination of maggots and addressing resultant wounds and infections.
Veterinary Intervention
- Immediate Removal of Maggots: A critical initial step, all visible maggots must be removed manually. It should be done specifically under deep sedation or general anaesthesia as it can be a painful procedure for the rabbit
Shaving and Cleaning the Affected Area:
- Fur around the affected area is shaved to expose and treat the underlying skin.
- Gentle cleaning disinfects the wounds and prevents further infection.
Wound Treatment:
- Open wounds are treated with topical antibiotics and dressed to promote healing.
- Severe cases may require surgical intervention to remove dead tissue and close wounds.
Systemic Treatment:
- Antibiotics are administered to combat bacterial infections.
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications provide comfort and assist in recovery.
- In severe cases, where your bunny has lost the appetite or zeal to eat anything, nutrition support is provided through assisted feeding and gut stimulants.
Prevention of Flystrike
Prevention is the most effective strategy in safeguarding rabbits from the potentially fatal condition of flystrike. Proper understanding and consistent implementation of preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk, ensuring the health and comfort of your rabbit.
Regular Checks and Grooming
Daily Inspection:
- Conduct daily inspections of your rabbit, particularly during warmer months, to ensure they are clean and dry.
- Regularly check for wounds or any signs of flystrike.
Proper Grooming:
- Keep your rabbit’s fur clean and trimmed, reducing the chances of moisture and dirt build-up.
- Assist in self-cleaning for rabbits who have difficulty grooming themselves.
Proper Housing and Cleanliness
Clean Living Environment:
- Ensure that your rabbit’s living environment is clean, dry, and well-maintained.
- Regularly clean and disinfect hutches and bedding.
Adequate Ventilation:
- Provide ample ventilation to prevent humidity and moisture accumulation.
- Utilize fly screens to minimize the entry of flies into the rabbit’s living area.