My rabbit had a wolf worm. How do I prevent future infestations?

The worms you are seeing are most likely coming from Blue's feces which means they are internal intestinal parasites. I would recommend taking a fecal sample in to your vet to be checked. Your rabbit will likely need a course of dewormer to get rid of the parasites.

Rabbits are not susceptible to heartworm infection. They can get other parasitic and bacterial infections though. Keep the area in and around the hutch clean to avoid attracting flies and wildlife. Monitor your rabbit for lethargy, loose droppings, or decreased appetite. Since rabbits can be sensitive to many different medications, it is always best to have a sick or injured rabbit physically examined by your veterinarian before any treatment or medication is administered.

Thanks for reaching out. A veterinary confirmation of this is recommended by presenting a fresh carcass to a veterinary clinic or state diagnostic laboratory. Control of this disease is prevention of access of the rabbits to the feces of canids and other carnivores. Rabbits are the intermediate host of this parasites, with the eggs transmitted in the feces of carnivores, with feces contaminating grasses, which the rabbits eat. Control of forage for the rabbits might also be preventative. Once the rabbits have a large infestation, killing the parasite is difficult. Good luck.

If the worms are on his back and not in the feces they are likely maggots or possibly even screwworm. This means that flies have been laying their eggs in his wool possibly because of a wound. Treatment involves removal of the maggots, cleansing of the wound, and medication to control infection and reduce discomfort. I would strongly advise a visit from the veterinarian to determine the extent and type of infestation and to obtain appropriate treatment. In the meanwhile, I would make sure that Sheru is separated from any other sheep.

This worm is quite species specific for the intestinal form of the disease. Where it gets a little tricky is that they can invade damaged skin of other species. So, I would recommend keeping Gracie's pen clean (since an unsanitary pen is a risk factor) and cleaning Gracie's pen with gloves on to be safe if you have any damaged skin on your hands. And obviously follow your vet's instructions for deworming to get rid of the problem. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would recommend finding a vet that would be able to see Pusheen. If it is a larvae from a bot fly this would need to be removed. The larvae have to be removed carefully since they can induce anaphylactic reactions if not. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Oh great question! I bet that worm was surprising. Likely this was a bot fly larvae called a cuterebra. Part of their life cycle is completed in the skin of a mammal, just as you found with Diego. Usually once it has fallen out (or removed), the body heals the wound and no other treatment is needed. Occasionally I find 2 or 3 lesions on an animal, but typically it is just 1. Watch the area for swelling, redness, or discharge. I hope this helps- and thanks for using Pet Coach!