Check your Rabbit for Worms

Mar 05 2021, 10:15

Author: Amy Holloway

Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits generally don’t require regular worming treatments as an infestation of worms is less common. That’s not to say they’re immune to catching a dose of worms though. Alun has some advice for rabbit owners on what to look out for.

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The most common type of worm that affects rabbits is called the pinworm. Rabbits can become infected with pinworms by eating the faeces of another infected rabbit. Exposure typically occurs through the parent, or at the pet store, breeder, or shelter.

Pinworms, which can live in your rabbit undetected, aren’t a serious health threat and can’t be passed to humans (unless you eat undercooked rabbit meat). They can, however, cause itching and inflammation around your rabbit’s bottom.

Signs to look out for and how to check if your rabbit does have worms:

  • Scratching/biting and irritated skin at their rear end.
  • Poor coat condition.
  • Weight loss.
  • Small white worms (5-10mm long) on the anus or in the faeces.
  • Young rabbits (especially when weaned) can be more severely infected; signs include diarrhoea, lethargy and substantial weight loss.

Treatment:

  • Anti-parasitic worm treatment.
  • You’ll need to increase how often you clean your rabbit’s housing and remove all faeces in and around the hutch and where they eat, sleep and play, until the worms and irritation have cleared up. Rabbits eat some of their faeces (this is part of their diet) and can often re-infect themselves.

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Although less common, there are two other types of worms that can affect rabbits. Alun explains:

Tapeworms can sometimes end up in rabbits (they tend to live in cats, dogs & foxes) if they’re grazing in areas contaminated by other animals’ faeces. It’s rare, but tapeworms can develop into cysts within rabbits and cause abdominal discomfort.

Stomach worms are also rare in rabbits. Weight loss is the main sign of an infection, as is seeing worms in your rabbit’s faeces if they’re carrying a large number of them.

If you suspect your rabbit might have worms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment at our Kidderminster Road practice as soon as you can.