**Fly Strike in Rabbits**

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The warm weather has finally shown itself and we all enjoy this change in temperature, especially our furry friends who live outside. However, with the warmer weather comes the increased risk of fly strike to our pets, especially rabbits.

Fly strike, also known as ‘myiasis’ occurs when flies (especially blowflies – green bottles and blue bottes) lay eggs, usually around the vulva/penis and anus. These eggs hatch out into maggots and begin to eat the flesh of the rabbit, this can happen very rapidly and can result in death within 24 hours.

Are my rabbits at risk?

All rabbits, and potentially any other animals, are at risk from flystrike. Certain factors can increase this risk, such as:

  • Time of year: fly strike is more common during warmer weather particularly during spring and summer
  • Dirty Coat: this can occur due to diarrhoea if your rabbit is unwell, if they can’t clean themselves properly due to arthritis, dental pain or obesity, or urinary incontinence causing urine staining of the coat
  • Wounds: the smell of blood can attract flies

 

How can I prevent Fly strike?

Good hygiene is essential in the prevention of flystrike

  • Clean out urine / faeces from their hutch every day
  • Check your rabbit’s bottom for dirt or maggots at least once a day, more if possible during summer
  • If your rabbits bottom or faeces are unusually wet, seek veterinary advice to help resolve this issue and prevent your rabbit becoming dirty
  • Groom your rabbit regularly, especially if it has a long coat
  • Keep any wounds clean and dry, check multiple times a day

 

There are other management factors which can help you to prevent flystrike

  • Do not over-feed your rabbit, being overweight makes them less able to clean themselves
  • Feed mostly good quality hay, with some fresh leafy greens and only a small amount of pellets to ensure they have good dental health
  • Regular health checks can help you monitor your rabbits weight, dental disease and detect any pain that may prevent them cleaning themselves
  • Topical fly repellents are available which can help keep flies away, but do not replace good hygiene and regular checks to monitor for signs of fly strike

 

What should I do if I think my rabbit has Fly strike?

Fly strike is very serious and can sadly be fatal, especially if found too late. Rabbits with severe infestations are often in a lot of pain and may be in shock. Depending on the severity it may be necessary to sedate your rabbit to clip away the infested fur, remove the maggots and carry out a thorough inspection. Do not wet your rabbit before the appointment as this will make the fur more difficult to clip. After this intensive medical management is often required.

It is important that if you think your rabbit has fly strike to seek immediate veterinary attention. If you would like any more information or think your pet may be affected please don’t hesitate to call us on 01606 880 890

Brave Pet of the Month…Billy!

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Billy with his brother Patch

Billy is a beautiful Dalmation whom we have been managing for chronic pain for a number of years. Below is a  little bit about his journey from his very dedicated and loving owner including some information from us about Billy’s orthopaedic problems. 

“In September 2013 I took my boys to the seaside; they ran, chased, jumped, wrestled, Patchy went into the sea, Billy barked at the waves. We had a wonderful day and they left nothing behind but their pawprints . The following day Billy was lame. He continued to have his daily walks of about an hour, playing with other dogs and my grandchildren, but his condition gradually deteriorated and he was diagnosed with lumbar sacral disease”

 

We had always thought Billy was painful in his hip joints and he had responded well to analgesia in the early days. However, after deterioration we opted to send Billy for further imaging at Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) which confirmed that his pain stemmed from Lumbosacral degeneration.

An animal’s spine is made up of different types of veterbrae and towards the back of the spine the lumbar vertebra and sacrum make up the lumbosacral region. The spinal cord runs down through the vertebra and lots of important nerves branch off in this region. Over time the lumbosacral vertebra can degenerate ultimately leading to narrowing (stenosis) of the space in between the bones. Eventually this narrowing can cause pinching of the sensitive nerves and put pressure on the spinal cord. 

“By December 2017 Billy was walking for only 5-10 minutes two or three times a day and was having four different types of pain relief. He was a sad boy. He was later diagnosed with slipped discs in addition to his lumbosacral disease.”

Later on in his management Billy deteriorated further, he seemed more wobbly and had began to occasionally drag his hind limbs. We decided it would be worth repeat imaging Billy to see if his lumbosacral degeneration had got worse but also to rule in or out other concurrent issues such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) which could cause similar signs. It was important to distinguish between the two as surgery can be an option for some but sadly there isn’t a ‘surgical fix’ for degenerative stenosis.

Billy’s second MRI scan confirmed degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. It was development of this stenosis that was likely affecting the perception of  his hindlimbs; explaining the wobbly gait and dragging of his back legs. However, multiple disc protrusions were also noted, some of which showed mild compression on the spinal cord but these were thought to be less of a significance. To help with his management Billy was referred internally to the Neurology team at SATH.

“Following an appointment with a Neurological Vet at SATH in December 2017 his medication was reduced and in January 2018 he started hydrotherapy. He has had 7 sessions so far. Billy had never swam before, he did not like water. The first two sessions were about getting him used to being in the water – he now swims freely and is getting good exercise in the water.”

“He is a much happier boy, he is more active, he initiates play with Patchy, he wants to go for longer walks, he wants to play with my grandchildren. He still gets tired after about 15 minutes, but the physiotherapist at SATH recommends building up slowly to regular walks of about 45 minutes. He is on one main medication three times a day now and about 2 hours after his midday tablets he is barking at me to get his toys out! So I am happier too. Oh and he loves the hot tub part of his hydrotherapy.”

We last saw Billy a few weeks ago and we agree he has a much better hind limb gait since starting his physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. It’s so nice to see how he enjoys his sessions too-we are a little jealous of the warm whirl pool afterwards!

 

Billy’s owner most recently reports that he has improved by leaps and bounds and she is having to monitor how boisterous and playful he is with Patch and her grandchildren; sometimes even Patch has had too much!

He is down to fortnightly hydrotherapy now and managing 45 minute walks a couple of times a week which is a huge improvement from where he was a few months ago. We are delighted with his progress!

 

 

SPRING Toxins!!

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Spring officially starts on the 20th March this year! After the snow and freezing temperatures we are hoping that the weather takes note and starts to warm so we can all start spending a bit more time outside. There are lots of beautiful things to see and enjoy outside this time of year, but it is worthwhile remembering which of these can be hazardous to our pets…

In the garden:

Spring is the time when many flowers emerge, and we get busy planting new ones. The following plants can be toxic if ingested, pets should be kept well away and veterinary advice sought if you think your pet has eaten any.

  • Daffodils: contain lycorine which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory depression. Ingestion of the bulbs will cause more severe signs than the plant or flower itself, but all contain the toxin.
  • Tulips: the toxins in tulips are concentrated in the bulb but are also present in the flower and leaves. Ingestion may cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Lilies: these are highly toxic to cats, even a small amount of pollen can cause severe kidney failure.
  • Hyacinths, Snowdrops and Crocuses: can also cause gastro-intestinal signs if ingested

 

Fertilisers come out of the sheds as we all get busy gardening, but be careful of certain types of fertilisers or ingredients which can be harmful.

  • Blood Meal: vomiting and diarrhoea, can result in severe pancreatitis
  • Bone Meal: consuming large amounts can cause an obstruction in the GI tract
  • Rose / Plant Fertilisers: may contain organophosphates which can cause severe symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, hyperthermia and may be fatal.
  • Pesticides / Insecticides: often irritants which may inflame the skin and cause itching. Those containing organophosphates may be life threatening
  • Iron: often added to fertilisers and can cause iron toxicity if a large amount is ingested. Signs would include vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and can sometimes affect the heart or liver.

 

Out on walks:

  • Mushrooms and Toadstools: there are a variety of species which cause a variety of signs, from gastro-intestinal upset to hallucinations, behavioural changes or even kidney and liver failure. Identification of each species requires expert knowledge. If your pet has eaten a mushroom please try to take a photo of the mushroom, both in situ and close-up. A sample is also helpful to aid in identifying it.
  • Adder Bites: Venom from an adder bit can cause rapid swelling, pain, lethargy and collapse, and can be more severe. They come out of hibernation with the rise in temperature around March and April, they are not normally aggressive but will bite if provoked. They are a protected species so do not attempt to catch them, but seek veterinary advice immediately. 

 

In the kitchen:

  • Easter Eggs and Chocolate: contains theobromine which can lead to agitation, excitability, seizures and problems with the heart
  • Hot cross buns: contain raisins and currants which can cause kidney failure
  • Xylitol: an artificial sweetener often found in mints, some cakes and food for diabetics. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, weakness or collapse, seizures, coma and liver damage
  • Family Dinners: food containing onions and shallots can be toxic
  • Leftovers: mould on food can cause a variety of signs including drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea.

 

If you have any concerns that your pet may have ingested any of the above please do not hesitate to contact us on 01606 880 890