Flea

Fleas (External Parasite)

Etiology (cause)

Fleas are blood-feeding external parasites that can infest rabbits, leading to irritation, dermatitis, anemia, and possible transmission of other pathogens. The most common flea species affecting rabbits is the cat flea (*Ctenocephalides felis felis*).

Clinical Signs

• Intense scratching and over-grooming
• Hair loss, particularly over the back and rump
• Presence of flea dirt (black specks) in the coat
• Papular dermatitis and erythema
• In severe infestations: anemia, weight loss, and secondary infections

Treatment, Prevention, and Control

The most effective and safe treatments for fleas in rabbits are topical spot-on medications formulated for cats or kittens, as many canine flea products are toxic to rabbits.

• **Selamectin (Revolution® for kittens)** – prescription treatment considered first-line for fleas in rabbits. It also provides broad-spectrum efficacy against ear mites, mange mites, and fur mites.
• **Imidacloprid (Advantage® for kittens)** – available over-the-counter, rabbit-safe, and cost-effective. Effective for flea infestations, though not as broad in spectrum as selamectin.
• **Carbaryl-based flea powder** – can be used 1–2 times per week, but is generally considered less convenient than modern spot-on treatments.
• **Environmental control** – essential to prevent re-infestation. This includes cleaning or replacing bedding, vacuuming carpets, and treating the environment with insect growth regulators (e.g., lufenuron) and insecticidal sprays. Rabbits should be removed until treated areas are dry.

Dosage Guidelines

• For rabbits <4 kg: 0.4 mL of Advantage® (10% spot-on topical solution) applied at the base of the neck.
• For rabbits >4 kg: 0.8 mL applied at the base of the neck.

Avoid permethrin and pyrethrin-based products, as they are ineffective due to flea resistance and may pose toxicity risks.

References

• Hess L. Dermatologic Diseases. In: *Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents*, 2nd ed. 2004.
• Hutchinson MJ, Jacobs DE, Bell GD, et al. Evaluation of imidacloprid for the treatment and prevention of cat flea (*Ctenocephalides felis felis*) infestations on rabbits. *Vet Rec*. 2001;148:695–696.