Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 2008, 50:1 http://www.actavetscand.com/content/50/1/1 Group 2: Ivermectin injection followed by oral ivermectin administration Out of 27 rabbits, 14 were considered as in remission at follow-up. Among those, nine were examined at re-visit (two were skin scraped and confirmed microscopically negative) and five were assessed through telephone con- tact with the owner. Overweight status was recorded in three rabbits and one rabbit had concurrent conjunctivi- tis. The cage of one rabbit was cleaned mechanically, con- firmed by telephone contact with the owner. Relapse, microscopically verified, was seen in seven rabbits within 7 months to 2 years after the last treatment. In this group one rabbit was overweight and one was in general poor condition at relapse. Six rabbits (four confirmed by visit and two by telephone contact) were graded as treatment failures and still showed clinical signs after treatment with 3–6 ivermectin doses (table 2). One of these had concur- rent conjunctivitis and dental problems and one was over- weight. Follow-up time in Group 2 was 7 months to 4.5 years (mean time 13.7 months). Group 3: Topical selamectin Twelve rabbits out of 15 were assessed as in remission. Ten of the twelve were assessed through telephone contact and two through re-examination. In this group four rab- bits were recorded as having other diseases (three had a stiff back and one had conjunctivitis) and three were over- weight. Two rabbits had their cages cleaned mechanically. The only rabbit considered to be a treatment failure was overweight. Two rabbits relapsed within 3.5 and 8 months, respectively, after the last application and were re-treated with the same treatment protocol (table 3). One of them was in generally poor condition at relapse. Fol- low-up time in Group 3 was 4 months to 1 year 5 months (mean 8.2 months). When comparing all treatment groups with each other no significant differences were found (p = 0.09, n = 53). Discussion This study indicates that all treatment protocols seemed to be sufficiently effective and safe and that cheyletiellosis in rabbits can be successfully treated using ivermectin or selamectin in clinical practice. Neither ivermectin or sela- mectin is currently approved for use in rabbits in Sweden. In the UK however a topical spot-on preparation contain- ing ivermectin (Xeno 450, Genitrix) has just recently been initiated for use in rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets. Table 2: Treatment results of rabbits treated with ivermectin injections and oral administration. Treatment results of rabbits treated with ivermectin injections and oral administration according to different protocols. Treatment interval 10 days, second injection after 30 days (range 28–35, one after 48 days). Relative outcome (%) in brackets. Treatment protocol Treatment response (result) Protocol 1 1 injection + 2 oral doses Protocol 2 1 injection, 2 oral doses followed by 1 injection Protocol 3 1 injection, 2 oral doses, 1 injection and 2 oral doses Total In remission 3 (11.1) 4 (14.8) 7 (25.9) 14 (51.9) Failure 1 (3.7) 1 (3.7) 3 (11.1) 5 (18.5) Table 3: Treatment results of rabbits treated with selamectin spot-on. Treatment results of rabbits treated with selamectin spot-on according to different protocols. Relative outcome (%) in brackets. Treatment protocol Treatment response (result) No. of treatments 1 2 3 3 2 Total Interval 1 month 1 month 3 weeks 2 weeks In remission 2 (13.3) 6 (40.0) 2 (13.3) 1 (6.6) 1 (6.6) 12 (8 0.0) Failure 0 1(6.6) 0 0 0 1 (6.6) Relapse 2 (7.3) 2 (7.3) 4 (14.8) 7 (25.9) Relapse 0 1 (6.6) 0 0 1 (6.6) 2 (13.3) Total 6 (22.2) 7 (25.9) 14 (51.4) 27 (100) Total 2 (13.3) 8 (53.3) 2 (13.3) 1 (6.6) 2 (13.3) 15 (100) Page 4 of 6 (page number not for citation purposes)