PDSA Weekly column: Summer risk of deadly flystrike in rabbits

PDSA experts are warning rabbit owners to check their bunnies' bums during warm weather, to prevent a deadly disease known as flystrike. The condition, which is caused by flies that can lay eggs on rabbits' fur, can quickly kill them if not treated.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing explains: "The flies are more common in summer months,  once the eggs hatch into maggots these burrow under the rabbit's skin, feeding on their flesh. It can be incredibly painful for the poor bunny, and if not treated quickly it can be fatal."

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reduce the chances of your rabbit developing flystrike. Here are Nina's top tips:

Preventing flystrike:

• Keep them clean – keep your rabbits and their living space clean. Remove any pee/poo, dirty litter and wet bedding at least once a day. Thoroughly clean out their hutch weekly.
• Feed them a good diet – a healthy diet is really important for your rabbits' digestion, this helps prevent dirt or poo building up on their fur, which in turn can attract flies. Rabbits' diets should be mostly grass or feeding hay, with just a handful of leafy greens, and one tablespoon (two if your bunnies weigh over 3.5kg) of good quality nuggets a day. They also need constant access to fresh, clean drinking water.
• Check them daily – it's always important to keep a close eye on your pet's health, but this is particularly important for rabbits during summer. In particularly warm weather they should be checked more than once a day. Make sure they're clean, dry and check their bottom – if it's dirty this leaves them at high risk of flystrike. Clean them gently with a wet cloth, and if this occurs regularly get them checked by a vet.
• Good grooming – if you have a long-haired rabbit, keep fur around their rear end trimmed short.
• Exercise - It's also important to keep your rabbit at a healthy weight, as overweight rabbits will struggle to groom themselves properly. Space to run, hop and play will mean your rabbits stay fit, slim and able to groom .
• Monitor wounds closely – if your rabbit has any injuries, make sure these are kept clean and dry. Check them regularly, several times a day ideally, for any signs of maggots.
• Use a fly repellent – it's a good idea to use a fly deterrent during the summer months. Speak to your vet about which product to use, and how regularly to apply it.

Nina continued: "It's very important to call your vet immediately if you see any possible signs of flystrike, which can include visible eggs or maggots, patches of wet fur, a bad smell, eating less, and lethargy. Don't try to remove the maggots yourself or treat your rabbit at home, as this can be even more stressful for your rabbit and is often not effective."

Flystrike is an emergency that requires urgent treatment. Eggs can hatch into maggots within hours, and the maggots can cause extensive damage in less than a day, so it's vital to get vet help as quickly as possible. With the right treatment many rabbits can recover with no lasting damage.

Nina added: "When taking your rabbit to the vet, if possible it's a good idea to bring along their bunny buddy. Rabbits are very social creatures, and having their friend along with them can help reduce their stress and keep them calm."

Thankfully, with a few simple steps  you can reduce the risk of your rabbit suffering from flystrike this summer. For more expert information on flystrike, visit our website www.pdsa.org.uk/flystrike.

PDSA is the vet charity for pets in need, providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People's Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital help, advice and information.