Rabbits and Dandruff

If your pet rabbits appear to have dandruff, it is a sign of external parasites. Cheyletiella parasitovax or walking dandruff is a fur mite that can cause mild dermatitis in rabbits. The degree of infestation varies from small patches of scurfy skin to the whole body being covered in white flakes. Cheyletiella stays alive in the atmosphere for long periods and gets transmitted due to direct contact with an infected rabbit or its belongings, such as bedding or contaminated hay.

  1. Symptoms

    • Cheyletiella causes skin irritation and itchiness in the infected rabbits. You will notice hair loss, dandruff, some redness and patches of thickened skin mostly along the back and the nape of the neck. Some rabbits may not show any signs of infestation.

    Diagnosis

    • One can often diagnose Cheyletiella with naked eyes. If heavily infested, use a magnifying glass to spy the mites. Otherwise, examine the hair or skin scrapings under a microscope to identify the mite. Typically, dandruff in rabbits is a sign of mites and infection. Vets take a skin swab to confirm diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • Generally, the treatment is a series of injections or spot treatments. Schedule an appointment with your vet. After examining your rabbit for mites, let your vet advise on the best course of treatment. This can include a topical medication with selamectin. This is proven safe for rabbits.

      Remove excess scaling and dandruff by cleaning the affected area with warm water and prescribed shampoo. Apply the topical medication once or twice daily at the affected sites until the mites clear up. To minimize the chances of contracting mites yourself, wear rubber gloves while handling and treating your pet. Get the rabbit re-examined after completion of the course medication to ensure it is infestation-free.

      Make sure to treat the rabbit's living environment. Remove all hay and disinfect its living zone. Wash the bedding in hot water and bleach it or spray an insecticidal fog effective against Cheyletiella. Let the bedding and cage dry in the sun. On drying, inspect them carefully for mites. Multiple cleanings may be required to completely eradicate the mites.

    Cheyletiella on Humans

    • Sometimes humans may become affected by this parasite. The mites cause mild skin lesions, which are itchy. These lesions can form open sores in very severe cases. Consult a doctor or dermatologist, if you suspect you or a family member is infected.