Fact Sheets

On this page you will find useful factsheets on many subjects ranging from basic care of your pet, through to information on specific conditions your pet may be suffering from.

For ease of finding information the sheets are arranged according to species and may be downloaded and printed for future reference.

No part of the sheets may be copied, or distributed for any other purposes.

Although we take the utmost care to ensure these factsheets are correct, no responsibility can be assumed for any inaccuracies contained herein.

Flystrike

This is a serious and distressing condition of rabbits and guinea pigs. Even in a mild case, the level of discomfort endured by the pet makes it almost unbearable for owners and veterinary staff alike. On top of this, the condition can be rapidly fatal.

What is Fly-strike?

It is a condition whereby flies lay eggs on the skin of an animal (in terms of pets, most commonly a rabbit or guinea pig) which quickly hatch into maggots. These maggots begin to feed on the skin of the affected animal causing intense irritation and large open, infected wounds. Their action also releases toxins that quickly build up to potentially fatal levels.

What causes Fly-strike?

Basically, flies! This means that all rabbits/guinea pigs are at risk, and should be frequently and carefully checked. Most cases start around the anus so it is vital that you pick your pet up and examine this area closely.

Often however, there is an underlying factor making an individual more at risk than others. These include:

Dental disease - this limits adequate grooming
Obesity - which again limits adequate grooming
Diarrhoea - leading to faecal soiling of the region around the anus
Any other illness - rabbits and guinea pigs generally groom less if they are ill, making establishment of infection easier.

Treatment

Once a rabbit/guinea pig is infected, treatment can be difficult and, due largely to the toxins produced by the maggots, all too often treatment is unrewarding. If you suspect your pet to be infected then seek urgent veterinary attention, as treatment is more successful if started earlier. Prevention is, however, by far the most effective form of control.

Prevention

Regular checking of your pets, and seeking veterinary attention if there is any sign of ill health including diarrhoea, or dental problems (which will most often manifest as a wet mouth or decreased food intake). Fly infestation is best looked for each evening as the flies will lay eggs during the day (which could have hatched by the next morning). Fly eggs are small cream, white or yellow ovals which will be stuck to the fur, most commonly around the anus.

Hutch/run Hygiene: Anything that attracts flies will increase the risk. Therefore hutches must be cleaned out daily in the summer, and should be off the ground to allow free flow of air around the hutch, preventing damp.
Using fly repellents/insecticides in the hutch and on your pet. Care must be taken before applying anything to your pet to ensure that it is suitable for use on rabbits. If in doubt seek veterinary advice. Two products which have proven to be very effective are:

Crusade - a spray for in the hutch/run, effective for up to three months from a single application.
Rearguard - a sponge on product which is applied to your pet (rabbits only, must be over ten weeks old and non-pregnant, not feeding young) that gives 10 weeks protection.

Alternatively some traditional preventatives do work and are marginally cheaper, but do have to be re-applied regularly. Of these perhaps the most effective is the application of citronella oil to the hutch, and your pet by sponging it on. To apply to your pet simply apply some citronella to a sponge and wipe this once along its back every two days. This has occasionally resulted in some irritation of the skin where applied, if this happens then stop treatment straight away and seek veterinary advice.

If you have any questions about this or any other matter concerning your rabbit/guinea pig then please do not hesitate to contact the surgery.