Ectoparasites in Rabbits
Pocket Pet · Oryctolagus cuniculus · typical adult weight 1.00–5.00 kg
4 cited drugs treat Ectoparasites in rabbits: Doramectin, Eprinomectin, Ivermectin, Selamectin.
External parasites including fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Isoxazolines, macrocyclic lactones, and pyrethroids each carry species-specific cautions (e.g. permethrin lethal in cats).
The overview above describes Ectoparasites across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to rabbits — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Doramectin(Dectomax)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 0.2 mg/kg | once | Psoroptes mites | Moderate | Kanbur M, Atalay O, Ica A, et al. The curative and antioxidative efficiency of doramectin and doramectin+vitamin AD3E treatment on Psoroptes cuniculi infestation in rabbits. Res Vet Sci. 2008;85:291-293. | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.849 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.424, Doramectin monograph spanning p.424-425. — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.3 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Rabbits.a).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Eprinomectin(Eprinex, LongRange)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 0.2–0.3 mg/kg | once | Psoroptes mites | Moderate | Pan B, Wang M, Xu F, et al. Efficacy of an injectable formulation of eprinomectin against Psoroptes cuniculi, the ear mange mite in rabbits. Vet Parasitol. 2006;137:386-390. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.849 doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.01.013 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.3 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Rabbits.a). |
Ivermectin(Ivomec, Heartgard)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 0.2–0.4 mg/kg | q14d | 3 treatments | Cheyletiella (fur mites) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) (traced through to Plumb’s 10thttp.740 ref 75: Ivey E, Morrisey J. Therapeutics for rabbits. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2000;3(1):183-216.) — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.709, Ivermectin monograph spanning p.709-713. — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.3 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Rabbits.a).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| SC | 0.2–0.4 mg/kg | q14d | 2-3 treatments | Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi), fur mites | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.709, Ivermectin monograph spanning p.709-713. — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.3 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Rabbits.a).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Selamectin(Revolution, Stronghold)
Antiparasitic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOPICAL | 6–15 mg/kg | q30d (monthly) | Monthly, repeat 2-3 times | Ear mites, fur mites (Cheyletiella) | Weak | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part B: Exotic Pets (ed. Joanna Hedley), Selamectin (Stronghold), DOSES, printed p.265: 'Mammals: Ferrets, Rabbits, Rodents: 6-15 mg/kg monthly; Sugar gliders, Hedgehogs: 6-18 mg/kg monthly.'Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.