Fipronil (the active ingredient in Frontline TopSpot, Fiproguard, Flevox, and PetArmor, Regent, Chipco Choice, Goliath, Nexa) should never be used in rabbits as it is toxic to this species. If you have applied one of these to your rabbit they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately as clinical signs can take up to 20 days to develop.
Clinical signs of fipronil toxicity in rabbits include decreased thirst, lethargy, decreased appetite, decreased stool production, and seizures. Clinical signs can take up to 20 days to develop.
Typically this can be diagnosed based on patient history. However, your veterinarian may recommend testing to determine their overall clinical condition. Possible recommended diagnostics include a complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and radiographs.
The first step is to remove any residual fipronil from the patient with bathing. However, rabbits can get hypothermic easily so it's important to closely monitor their body temperatures with bathing. An e-collar should be worn to prevent them from ingesting cecotropes and re-intoxicating themselves. Patients are then started on IV fluids, given activated charcoal and medications to help prevent or resolve GI stasis, and if needed anticonvulsants.
The prognosis is guarded. Signs usually develop after a significant amount has been absorbed. If no response to supportive care, fluids, and anticonvulsant therapy in the first 72 hours, the rabbit is unlikely to recover.
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