Liver Flukes

Liver Fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in Rabbits

Liver fluke infection in rabbits is caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, which inhabits the liver and bile ducts. Fluke infection may be confused with hepatic coccidiosis due to similar liver lesions.

Etiology (cause)

• Causative agent: Fasciola hepatica, a parasitic trematode (liver fluke)
• Transmission: Ingestion of metacercariae from contaminated water or vegetation
• Pathophysiology: Larvae migrate through the intestinal wall to the liver, causing tissue damage, bile duct inflammation, and liver scarring. Chronic infection may lead to reduced growth, liver dysfunction, and secondary infections.

Clinical Signs

• Poor growth or weight loss
• Depression or lethargy
• Anorexia
• Pale mucous membranes (anemia)
• Hepatomegaly or palpable liver irregularities
• Jaundice in severe cases
• Occasionally secondary diarrhea due to hepatic compromise

Treatment, Prevention, and Control

• **Drug of choice:** Fenbendazole (Safeguard® or Panacur® liquid)

 * Dosage: 20 mg/kg orally once daily for 30 consecutive days  
 * Mechanism: Binds parasite tubulin, impairing fluke metabolism and survival; liver-processed to reach site of infection  

• **Alternative / adjunct drugs:**

 * Triclabendazole (Fasinex®) – higher concentration than fenbendazole; highly effective in experimental rabbit studies  
 * IVOMEC Super (Ivermectin + Clorsulon) – effective against liver flukes  
 * VALBAZEN® Suspension – broad-spectrum anthelmintic (flukes, tapeworms, stomach and intestinal worms, lungworms), not widely studied in rabbits  
 * Sulfa-based drugs (sulfamethoxine, trimethoprim-sulfa combinations) – limited evidence  

• **Notes on treatment selection:**

 * Fenbendazole is the most accessible and safe for small-scale rabbit keepers  
 * Triclabendazole or other benzimidazole derivatives may shorten treatment duration but are less commonly available  
 * Toltrazuril (Baycox®) is effective against hepatic coccidia, not flukes; liver lesions may be confused with fluke scarring, so proper diagnosis is important  

• **Supportive care:**

 * Maintain hydration and nutrition  
 * Reduce stress and prevent exposure to contaminated water or vegetation  
 * Regular liver monitoring in chronic or herd-level infections  

References

• Fasciola hepatica. Vetlexicon. [1]
• Triclabendazole efficacy against liver flukes. Experimental studies in rabbits.
• Fenbendazole (Safeguard® / Panacur®) pharmacology and hepatic metabolism.
• IVOMEC Super (Ivermectin + Clorsulon) liver fluke activity.