Selamectin for Rabbits - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Selamectin for Rabbits - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Selamectin is a safe antiparasitic for rabbits and very useful to kill external parasites such as fleas, lice or mites. It is very similar structurally to the more-commonly-known ivermectin. The dose will depend on the type of parasitization in our rabbit and the extent of its progress. The active ingredient of selamectin belongs to the avermectin class and acts by paralyzing parasites by interrupting the normal motor neurotransmission of these invertebrate organisms.

Keep reading AnimalWised to learn more about selamectin for rabbits. Sold under the brand names Revolt and Revolution, we look at its uses, dosage and side effects in lagomorph species.

What is selamectin for rabbits?

Selamectin is a semi-synthetic antiparasitic used in veterinary medicine to kill external and internal parasites in animals. Its use is more frequent in dogs and cats, but it is also prescribed in exotic animals such as rabbits. It is especially useful for external parasitism by mites or fleas.

This active ingredient exerts its action by activating the chloride channels of the muscle synapses in the parasites. In turn, this causes chloride ions to enter the nerve cells, disrupting normal neurotransmission and muscle electrical activity. This produces neuromuscular paralysis and the consequent death of the parasite.

This action occurs once the selamectin has been absorbed by the rabbit's skin and hair follicles, subsequently passing into the bloodstream. It ends up in the sebaceous glands where the parasites can be found. They will then die after ingesting the antiparasitic when they eat the rabbits blood. Selamectin is commonly sold under the trade names Revolt and Revolution.

Learn more with our article on how to know if a rabbit has mites.

Uses of selamectin in rabbits

Selamectin in rabbits serves as an external dewormer for topical use to kill external parasites that are currently inhabiting their body. It is a particularly useful drug to kill mange mites that can affect rabbits, such as Psoroptes cuniculi and Otodectes cynotis. It is also helpful for lice (Haemadipsus ventricosus), Cheyletielosis mites (Cheyletiella parasitovorax) and fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) that can infest rabbits.

Selamectin kills adult fleas, eggs and larvae, effectively breaking their life cycle. Flea eggs incubate in the rabbit and its environment, but the larvae and the adults are the body surface. For this reason, it can help control possible infestations in the environment of areas where the rabbit may have access. In addition, selamectin not only has this immediate deworming action, but also prevents infestations by these organisms for up to 5 weeks afterwards.

Dosage of selamectin in rabbits

The dose of selamectin in rabbits will depend on the parasite to be treated. Although the dosage will confirmed by a veterinarian after examination, the general guide is as follows:

  • For fleas: dose of 20 mg/kg for 7 days.
  • For mites: dose of 6-18 mg/kg topically by pipette two treatments one month apart.
  • For the Cheyletiella mite: dose of 12 mg/kg.

Selamectin for rabbits is usually marketed in the form of pipettes. To apply selamectin pipettes, the hair of the interscapular area (between the shoulder blades) must be opened so that the skin is visible. The pipette is then held in a vertical position, the lid is opened and the exact amount is applied directly on the skin without massaging.

Contraindications of selamectin in rabbits

Selamectin should not be used in the following cases:

  • Sick rabbits with other concomitant pathologies
  • Weak rabbits
  • Underweight rabbits
  • Immunosuppressed rabbits
  • Rabbits with systemic disease

Similarly, selamectin should not be used if hypersensitivity to any of the active substances or excipients of the drug is known. In the latter case, we recommend you consult your vet about other antiparasitic drugs, such as fenbendazole for rabbits or panacur. Choose one that is more appropriate for your animal. In this other article we talk about the best antiparasitic for rabbits.

Being in pipette format, it must be applied to completely dry hair and skin. This is to facilitate skin absorption into the bloodstream. We should not bathe rabbits two days before or two days after applying the selamectin pipette.

Side effects of selamectin in rabbits

Selamectin is considered safe and side effects are rare, if applied properly. As with any medication, the use of selamectin can produce potential adverse effects in rabbits. They include the following:

  • Mild and temporary itching in the application site
  • Mild to moderate alopecia at the application site
  • Erythema
  • Focal irritation
  • Hypersalivation
  • Soft stools
  • Vomiting
  • Anorexia

Generally, these signs resolve on their own and only the itching is considered somewhat more frequent. The latter signs are considered more unusual and can appear if an overdose of the product occurs. In this case, it would be necessary to go to the veterinary clinic.

Learn more about signs if illness in this animal with our article on symptoms of a sick rabbit.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Selamectin for Rabbits - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category.

Bibliography
  • Zuriaga EA (2019). Treatment of cheyletiellosis in a rabbit with a combination of selamectin and sarolaner in spot-on. Argos Informative Veterinary, ISSN 1699-7875, Nº. 214 (Emergencies and intensive care), 2019, pp. 18-19
  • Kurtdede A., Zafer K., Acar A., Guzel M., Cingui CC, Ural K. Ica A. (2007). Use of selamectin for the treatment of psoroptic and sarcoptic mite infestation in rabbits Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2007.00563.x