Rabbits,Flystrike and Rearguard
Information Sheet
Rearguard is a product which is used to prevent myiasis (flystrike). Flystrike
is a condition caused when flies lay eggs on the rabbit which then hatch into
maggots that start to eat away at the rabbit.
Rearguard is a liquid, which is applied all over the rabbit especially
down the back and around the rear end. It can be used from 10
weeks of age and protects the rabbit for 10 weeks. Apply as directed
by instructions on the bottle. Ensure there are no reasons why flies
would be attracted to your rabbit. Keep the hutch clean. Check for
Diarrhoea, dental problems, obesity, urinary infections, arthritis and
open wounds. Not for use in rabbits less than 10 weeks old. Not for
use in pregnant rabbits.
Flystrike can occur in hot humid weather. The main time is April to
October.
As the weather increases in temperature, the flies increase in number and they like to lay eggs
in damp, warm areas such as wet fur. When the eggs hatch maggots emerge and their natural
instinct is to go away from light and they burrow down into your rabbit's skin. They feed on the
tissues then after a period of growing they cocoon themselves ready to later emerge into flies. It
is then that the cycle begins again.
If the tiny white eggs are found on the rabbit they should be removed straight away with
tweezers and a check for any maggots carried out. If maggots are present they also need to be
removed. They burrow deep into the tissues and orifices so even if you think you have removed
them all, take your rabbit to a vet immediately to have the broken skin treated and so a thorough
examination can take place.
In some circumstances the maggots would have eaten so much flesh that there is no other
option other than euthanasia. Sometimes there are just so many maggots that they cannot all
be found and removed and other times the rabbit has gone into shock and just cannot cope with
the stress of rehabilitation so euthanasia is the fairest decision.
Often owners do not notice fly strike because the rabbit continues to eat. This is because they
are naturally prey animals and in the wild if they showed any sign of pain or weakness they
would be predated upon. It is therefore very important that rabbits are not just looked at through
the hutch but are handled at least twice daily. Always check your rabbit’s bottom to make sure it
is clean and ensure any long hair is brushed regularly to prevent knots. If faeces are stuck to the
hair you will need to bathe it away by wiping with warm, wet cotton wool and then towel-drying
or have the matted fur clipped away at the vets.
In order to prevent fly strike good husbandry should be in place and the hutch cleaned out daily.
Rabbits are easy to toilet train, as they do not like to toilet where they sleep so usually go in one
area of the hutch, which makes cleaning them out straightforward.
Call us at Grange Farm Hospital on 01473 333677 for more information. Why not take
advantage of our “Rearguard Nurse Rabbit clinics” - buy Rearguard from Orwell Vets and
Perfect Petcare and book a free appointment at Grange Farm Hospital with the nurse for help
with its application.