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Blowfly larvae are frequently found on the soft skin of the underside of the neck but more commonly at the vent of pet rabbits and are usually accompanied with some degree of internal malaise in the affected rabbit, sometimes precedent, sometimes subsequent to the infestation.  In general the flies are attracted by putrefactive sulphur-rich volatile compounds produced by bacteria whereas the presence of ammonia encourages oviposition. The first stage larvae are non-pathogenic. It’s only the second and third stages that cause tissue damage.

Blowfly larvae are frequently found on the soft skin of the underside of the neck but more commonly at the vent of pet rabbits and are usually accompanied with some degree of internal malaise in the affected rabbit, sometimes precedent, sometimes subsequent to the infestation.  In general the flies are attracted by putrefactive sulphur-rich volatile compounds produced by bacteria whereas the presence of ammonia encourages oviposition. The first stage larvae are non-pathogenic. It’s only the second and third stages that cause tissue damage.

Predisposing Causes: when considering accompanying internal illnesses, include uterine hyperplasia and coccidiosis.

'''Predisposing Causes''': when considering accompanying internal illnesses, include uterine hyperplasia and coccidiosis.

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

==Emergency procedure==

==Emergency procedure==

Give ivermectin, oxytetracycline, the NSAID and fluids, keep the animal warm and wait for an effect for an hour or two before you pick the maggots off.  Mild antiseptics, 1% chlorhexidine (Vetasept®; Animalcare) or 10% povidone iodine (Tamodine®; Vetark Professional), are syringed into the various cavities made and/or enlarged by the larvae. I prefer to have the rabbit placed on a cake-cooling tray during the procedure (the wire mesh allows the maggots to fall through and keeps the fur of the rabbit reasonably dry – this is very important as wetting can lead to further fur loss and hypothermia), usually under hypnosis or deep sedation or anaesthesia (ketamine/xylazine).

Give ivermectin, oxytetracycline, the NSAID and fluids, keep the animal warm and wait for an effect for an hour or two before you pick the maggots off.  Mild antiseptics, 1% chlorhexidine (Vetasept®; Animalcare) or 10% povidone iodine (Tamodine®; Vetark Professional), are syringed into the various cavities made and/or enlarged by the larvae. I prefer to have the rabbit placed on a cake-cooling tray during the procedure (the wire mesh allows the maggots to fall through and '''keeps the fur of the rabbit reasonably dry''' – this is very important as wetting can lead to further fur loss and hypothermia), usually under hypnosis or deep sedation or anaesthesia (ketamine/xylazine).

===Prevention===

===Prevention===

*Cousquer, G. (2006) Veterinary care of rabbits with myiasis In Practice 28 342 – 349

*Cousquer, G. (2006) Veterinary care of rabbits with myiasis In Practice 28 342 – 349

*Okerman, L. (1994) Diseases of Domestic Rabbits. Blackwell Scientific Publications 2nd Edition

*Okerman, L. (1994) Diseases of Domestic Rabbits. Blackwell Scientific Publications 2nd Edition

[[Category:Diseases_and_Disorders_-_Rabbit]]

 

 

[[Category:Ectoparasites_-_Rabbit]]

[[Category:To Do - Medium]][[Category:To Do - Exotics]]