What is Flystrike?

Flystrike is a serious condition in which flies lay eggs on your rabbit. The maggots hatch and begin to eat your rabbit’s flesh. It’s painful and can become lethal in a matter of hours.

Any rabbit can fall victim to flystrike. However, rabbits that can’t groom themselves due to age, weight, or infirmity are particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms of Flystrike

• Sluggishness
• Loose stools
• A dirty bottom
• A strong but strange smell coming from your rabbit
• Digging in the corners of the enclosure
• Maggots on or around your rabbit

How Can I Prevent It?

Flies are attracted to urine, faeces, blood, and open wounds. Check your rabbits’ bottoms daily, especially in the spring and summer months. Check twice a day if they can’t groom themselves.

Remove any hair mats, and clean dirty bottoms with pet-safe wipes.

Remove damp bedding and litter daily, and clean any urine from the floor.

Also, check your hutch for flies and maggots. 

Your vet may also suggest a preventative treatment.

What to Do if You Think Your Bunny Has Flystrike

Don’t wait to get help.

Flystrike can get very serious very quickly and can become lethal in a matter of hours. It’s also very, very painful.

If you see maggots on your rabbit or in its enclosure, get to a vet immediately. Call ahead so that your vet can prepare.

How Will My Vet Treat Flystrike?

Your vet will remove any maggots. This may require surgery. They will then prescribe medication and possibly an antibiotic.

Flystrike is serious and painful, but you can prevent it, read our blog post here for more info;  What Is Flystrike? How To Avoid And Treat It.