by Sandy Koi
The San Diego House Rabbit Society has alerted us to serious problems associated with the use of a topical flea control product called Frontline® on domestic rabbits.
In the fall edition of San Diego Rabbit New, Dr. Jeffery Jenkins confirms several rabbit deaths caused the usage of Frontline® and warns that the manufacturer (Rhone Merieux, Inc.) has received reports of "adverse reactions" to its product on rabbits.
Frontline® is NOT labeled for use in domestic rabbits and is not recommended for rabbits by the manufacturer. Frontline® is only available through veterinary prescription. As the active ingredient is not supposed to cross into the central nervous system of mammals, it is possible that the prescribing veterinarians mistakenly considered its use safe for rabbits.
Dr. Jenkins add that the veterinarian-prescribed Advantage® topical flea control has also caused some adverse reactions in both cats and domestic rabbits. The manufacturer (Bayer) has reported gastro-intestinal upsets in cats who lick a large amount of Advantage® off a newly-anointed grooming partner.
If you choose to treat your rabbit or cat with Advantage®, Dr. Jenkins recommends that the treated animal be confined away from other rabbits or cats for at least twelve hours after application.
Advantage® is not labeled for use in rabbits either. (Only a few drugs are.)
As a concerned rabbit owner, you should question risking your rabbit's life by using topical flea products, especially when other alternatives are available. The orally administered Program®, also veterinary-prescribed, has no problem documented to date.
Many years ago, both the House Rabbit Society and Rabbit Rescue used to recommend pyrethrin-based products for use on rabbits; but many are potentially lethal synthetic and/or carbaryls in disguise. I've also learned recently that 5% Sevin dust is even more toxic than Diazinon! Therefore, they are no longer recommended for flea treatment for your rabbits.
For more information, and for referral to a veterinarian who is an expert in rabbit medicine, you may call or e-mail one of Rabbit Rescue's volunteers or visit the home page of the House Rabbit Society. A link to veterinary referrals in all 50 states, Canada and Europe is listed on the first page. Please DO NOT allow a vet--however wonderful s/he is with dogs and cats--to treat your rabbit if s/he is not well-versed in the specifics of rabbit medicine. It could be fatal to your rabbit!
For more information on rabbit care, please refer to The House Rabbit Handbook by Marinell Harriman. It is available at most major bookstores. If your bookstore does not carry it, please ask them to order it for you: ISBN 0-940920-12-3.
