Mange in Rabbits

There are three different types of mange in rabbits. All are caused by mites, which are arachnids, like spiders. They vary in their degree of severity. All three types of mange are diagnosed by the same tests and treated similarly.

Sarcoptic Mange
- Sarcoptic mange is extremely itchy.
  
  Sarcoptic mange is what most people mean when they use the term mange. It's caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a burrowing mite. The female mite tunnels into the skin to lay her eggs. Sarcoptic mange first appears on ear edges, lips and nose, then spreads to other areas of the body.
Ear Mange
- In advanced cases of Psoroptes, the affected ear will fall down.
  
  Ear mange is caused by Psoroptes cuniculi, which lives inside the ear. It can affect one or both ears, with crusts forming deep in the ear canal. An infested rabbit will shake his head and scratch his ears violently. It's extremely painful.
Fur Mange
- Cheyletiella mites can infest dogs, cats and, temporarily, humans.
  
  Mange caused by the Cheyletiella mite is called "walking dandruff" because when you look closely at the flakes on the skin, you can see them move. This mange may present with few clinical signs beyond skin flakes, itchiness and minor hair loss.
Diagnosis
- Mites can be difficult to find under the microscope, especially Sarcoptes.
  
  Diagnosis of mange is done through skin scraping, cytology or skin biopsy.
Treatment
- Treatment must be continued until no live mites are found.
  
  All of these mange conditions are treated with the same medications: Ivermectin injections, Selamectin topical or Moxidectin, which comes as an injectible or oral medication. In most cases, multiple doses are necessary, spaced over several weeks.