The spectre of flystrike

Vets are calling the RWAF Helpline this week saying that they are dealing with a distressing number of cases of Flystrike. In many cases the rabbits don't make it, and those who do have a horribly painful process to endure as the maggots eat their bodies.

This is a preventable condition.

* Please check your rabbit's bottom AT LEAST once and preferably more often EVERY DAY, especially in this warm weather.
* Ensure the diet is correct (85% hay, 10% greens, 5% pellets) so that there aren't intestinal upsets resulting in dirty bottoms
* Keep bedding scrupulously clean
* Ensure your rabbits aren't overweight, so that it's easy for them to clean themselves.
* Ask your vet to prescribe products such as Rearguard.

If you do find that your rabbit looks uncomfortable, please check him at once for maggots and if you find any get him to the vet IMMEDIATELY. This is a medical emergency that cannot wait. Do not try to wash them off. Fur will need to be clipped and wet fur clogs the clipper blades. You can pick off any maggots you can see with tweezers.

For further advice and ideas on prevention, please see our leaflet here
http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/leaflet_pdfs/flystrike_sep_05.pdf
and also this article
http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/Flystrikedontgetcaughtout.pdf

Hope you are feeling better Ros. I saw you have been in the wars.

I'm doing okay thanks, Cheryl. Bumps, bruises and of course the long line of stitches, but nothing that's going to stop me

Recieved the first alerts email and as usual plastered it all over Facebook. Has been shared by other bunny friends too.

thanks am checking daily and use fly strike spray and forever digging out poos and pees.
my buns think i'm nuts for their nuts and keep giving me more

Me too but I am always checkiing Binky even though he is a house bun.

JO xx