- Home
- Search
- Settings
- Top Contributors
- Help Center
What do you do if your rabbit has diarrhea and is attracting flies?
Answer:
First of all, if your rabbit has diarrhea, you should immediately find out why and treat it. Make sure the rabbit is eating his pelleted food and some good timothy hay. Fresh water is an absolute MUST every day, especially during diarrhea because the rabbit could become dehydrated. Also with diarrhea, give slightly burnt toast and some bananas to your rabbit.
Second, and very important, If you see your rabbit's butt area is dirty, CLEAN IT with warm soapy water, then wipe it dry with a soft towel. Fly strike, which is what you are describing here, can kill your rabbit within 12 - 24 hours! This can also spread to other rabbits in the close vicinity. When you see flies flying around, you can be sure they are laying eggs, which turn into maggots. Maggots travel quickly and are drawn to the moist, dirty hind end area of your rabbit. They get in there and can literally eat your rabbit's tissues.
You must keep your rabbit's cage clean, especially in warm weather. Clean it every day while diarrhea persists, then every other day as the rabbit recovers. Clean the water dish also, and always provide fresh water and fresh food!
Remember that your rabbit is in a cage. He is helpless and depends on you for food, water, hay, love, and a safe and clean home to live in. He cannot ask you for something to eat or for more water, and cannot tell you his cage needs cleaned. He cannot tell you that some flies have left maggots on his butt and they are eating him alive and it hurts and he is about to die. So PLEASE watch out for this!
If the diarrhea persists more than a few days, DO take your rabbit to a small animal vet. Rabbits can go downhill very quickly. Diarrhea means the entire intestinal tract is inflamed or infected, which can lead to more severe problems. So do the bunny right and take him/her to the doctor.
Make absolutely sure that you wash your hands immediately after cleaning up the rabbit's diarrhea. Avoid cuddling with the rabbit till he/she feels better.
Second, and very important, If you see your rabbit's butt area is dirty, CLEAN IT with warm soapy water, then wipe it dry with a soft towel. Fly strike, which is what you are describing here, can kill your rabbit within 12 - 24 hours! This can also spread to other rabbits in the close vicinity. When you see flies flying around, you can be sure they are laying eggs, which turn into maggots. Maggots travel quickly and are drawn to the moist, dirty hind end area of your rabbit. They get in there and can literally eat your rabbit's tissues.
You must keep your rabbit's cage clean, especially in warm weather. Clean it every day while diarrhea persists, then every other day as the rabbit recovers. Clean the water dish also, and always provide fresh water and fresh food!
Remember that your rabbit is in a cage. He is helpless and depends on you for food, water, hay, love, and a safe and clean home to live in. He cannot ask you for something to eat or for more water, and cannot tell you his cage needs cleaned. He cannot tell you that some flies have left maggots on his butt and they are eating him alive and it hurts and he is about to die. So PLEASE watch out for this!
If the diarrhea persists more than a few days, DO take your rabbit to a small animal vet. Rabbits can go downhill very quickly. Diarrhea means the entire intestinal tract is inflamed or infected, which can lead to more severe problems. So do the bunny right and take him/her to the doctor.
Make absolutely sure that you wash your hands immediately after cleaning up the rabbit's diarrhea. Avoid cuddling with the rabbit till he/she feels better.
First answer by ID1195470804.
Last edit by Lifesnadir.
Contributor trust: 219
[recommend contributor
recommended].
Question popularity:
2
[recommend question].
» more