You know those teeth are good at eating sticks and salad, but what if the rabbit decides to munch on your My name is Amy and I am the Bunny Lady! If your rabbits are fighting, make sure theyre all spayed and neutered. Fipronil may be considered safe for other species, but it has been associated with severe neurological effects and deaths in rabbits. Sometimes a tide line becomes apparent, which looks like a line across the rabbits fur, where the moult is progressing, and often you can observe the skin as being darker where the new fur is growing through. Your rabbits skin and coat should be a window to its health. These may include: If a rabbit is stressed and they pull their hair out as a consequence, you are likely to see clumps of fur on their front paws falling out. However, it can be an indication of mites, fleas, ringworm, anxiety, an infection, or other skin conditions if the hair loss occurs as balding patches or with inflamed skin. Does your rabbit like to flip over their food bowls? What I did was to was sit her in a bowl with warm water and a mild (very mild) solution of Dettol and washing-up liquid and washed out/got rid of the lavae and worms, then changed the water 3 times while rinsing her and then finally drying her. If you think stress might be the cause of your rabbits hair loss, talk to your vet about how best to reduce stress levels in your pet. 1. 4. Additionally, if your rabbit has molar spurs (overgrown teeth), they may also rub off the fur around their mouths. Learn more about one of the most stressful things to do with our article on why you should never trance a rabbit. Usually, rabbits will also develop sudden picky eating habits. Other causes include false pregnancies, overgrooming partners, and fighting between rabbits. Rabbits fight each other for other reasons, for example, if another rabbit irritates or threatens. Hair Loss Average Cost. It could also experience urine dribbling. positive results. Rabbits will normally shed four times a year. If the infection has penetrated the bone and only one foot is (Albinism). Some rabbits may even chew at the itchy areas, causing open sores. Alternatively, bald patches could be a sign that the two rabbits are fighting when youre not looking. Compare top pet insurance plans. Urine scalding is a condition that occurs when urine gets onto a rabbits fur and skin and sits there for long periods of time. With their teeth in the way, they may end up developing urine scalding. They also fight for dominance. rabbit loses excessive amounts of fur throughout the year, a trip to the vet is Generally speaking, once you start seeing no crust anywhere, it's a good sign the infection is gone. How to Prevent Itching and Scratching. The two brands that I use when buying food for my rabbit areOxbowandSmall Pet Select. rabbit is suffering from a urinary tract problem, take it to a vet immediately. Urine scalding also leads to loss of fur in the genital area and the hindquarters. . 3. In rabbits, scaling, crusting, and bald spots are more common than the red ring. Provide a small space in their hutch where they can hide when they feel insecure. Your vet may not be Fur loss on the around the mouth and the chin can be treated by solving the underlying dental issue. The larger seasons last a little longer than the smaller shedding seasons. The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. Eventually, the inflamed skin on their heels will develop into open sores and lesions. In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. keep in mind that natural molting is a seasonal process in rabbits. In one study, it was seen that regardless of the material used for nest bedding, the majority used a mixture of the material and their own fur[2]. If your All animals in contact with the affected pet should be treated as well even if they dont show any symptoms. There are many potential reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur. Fur loss can also be Allergies can be caused by anything from dust or pollen to certain foods or medications. Abnormal hair or fur loss (also called alopecia), looks a little different than seasonal shedding. Your vet will also prescribe medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure the infection. Jackson, R., Rogers, A. D., & Lukefahr, S. D. (2006). Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. As they drink, the water can collect on their dewlap, eventually causing fur loss and skin irritation. If no spurs are visible, your vet may perform head radiographs for any signs of tooth infection or other mouth issues that may cause the drooling. These If the urine stays there for too long, the acidity will make the fur fall off, and the skin will become irritated. The best way to avoid flystrike is to keep your rabbit in a dry habitat. This is because the rabbit has easy access to this area and will often barber it as a reaction to stress. These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. Viral infections, such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, can also cause rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. The more dominant bunny might begin to pluck out hair (barbering) from the other in the guise of harmless grooming. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 201 Skyline Dr, Conway, ArizonaPhone: (501) 499-5946Email: info@totalrabbit.com. Although this isnt common in rabbits, it can be a cause of fur loss in any mammal. Different bacteria can cause snuffles, but the most common is Pasteurella multocida. The hocks are the heel of a rabbits foot. We can differentiate between barbering in rabbits and other types of alopecia by looking to see if they have any other symptoms. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. The condition can also occur as a result of incontinence or urine dribbling (due to a urinary tract infection), or an inability to effectively groom themselves (due to obesity, arthritis, etc.). In normal shedding, this should be a If youre used to caring for a pet cat or dog, it may seem like an excessive amount and have you worried your rabbit is losing too much fur. This is just one rabbit old age symptom. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. Usually, during pregnancy, does tend to pull out large amounts of fur from their skin. Stress Induced Acral Lick Dermatitis in a Domestic Rabbit: A Case Report. If you think your rabbit may have this condition, its important to take them to the vet right away. Your veterinarian may need to test the abscess to see what kind of antibiotic will be best to use to reduce swelling and chances of a serious infection. 3. Its an area that tends to get worn away and causes inflammation, especially as rabbits age. This will eventually cause saliva burn, where the wet fur around their mouth, chin, and eyes can eventually wear away the fur and cause irritated, bald patches. Be sure to feed your rabbit a high-quality diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of pellets. Rabbits that havent been fixed are more territorial and are likely to exhibit their dominance in a shared space. If the condition is not addressed, it can cause an infection on the skin. Rabbits are prey animals, which means that they have to be very poorly, injured, or under a lot of stress before their behavior gives away their vulnerability.If you notice that your rabbit is breathing faster, slower, with an open mouth, or with more effort or noise, these could be signs that your rabbit is very unwell. In addition, some medications used to treat hormonal imbalances (e.g., birth control pills) may also contribute to hair loss side effects.. A number of things could be causing your rabbit to lose fur, including poor nutrition, parasites, allergies, and stress. A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. However, many of the wounds will be caused by the animal scratching themselves out of frustration. Common causes of alopecia in rabbits include: If your rabbit has alopecia, it can be helpful to check for, and tell your vet about other symptoms such as: Please note, our vets and nurses are unable to respond to questions via this form. So you might also see scratch marks on the skin, typically around the ears. Theyll have two big shedding seasons with a whirlwind of fur, and two smaller shedding seasons. During spring and when its almost summer, your rabbit will lose its heavy winter coat to keep cool during the summer. Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. An overweight rabbit might be too large to scratch themselves properly, something which can lead to a rabbit barbering out of frustration. The molting or shedding season can last between two and six weeks. Your rabbit has a bacterial infection 7. Losing fur can occur naturally, as well as due to underlying health conditions. While not very common, rabbits can develop a skin disease that causes them to lose patches of fur. Bunnies can get bacterial infections in places not related to the urinary tract. These can be corrected by filing them smooth. Rabbits should never be bathed completely as this can lead to stress, shock, and even death. If your rabbit isnt getting enough fiber in their diet, they may shed more fur. Mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or all other Sarcoptes species. Mites will also cause crusts to form around these same areas. Also known as alopecia, hair loss in rabbits is a common concern among owners. Its much more likely that rabbits will develop sore hocks if they have improper flooring (wire cage floors are bad for rabbit feet), toenails that are too long, or they are obese and putting extra weight on their feet. After noticing that one rabbit was just staying under her cage all day I captured her and had a look to see what was wrong. Rabbit alopecia can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. However, in most cases, theres no need to be concerned. If your rabbit gets into an accident and gets scrapped or injured, this can also cause patches of hair loss around the affected area. Im Kevin Miles, and Im one of the main authors of totalrabbit.com. However, treatment with appropriate medication, such as selamectin, often clears the problem even if the fur mites cannot be seen. 6. However, for patchy hair loss, its always best to ensure A dental exam will allow your vet to detect any molar spurs. They will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment which may include antifungal medication. If this happens, they will usually have inflamed skin or scratch marks due to the itching as well. There are a few different conditions that can cause this symptom, so its important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a professional. Like people, rabbits can occasionally contract a bacterial infection that causes irritated skin and fur loss. 3. These treatments kill parasites rapidly, leaving your rabbits itch-free and symptom-free, thus healing the cause of fur loss. If you notice dark patches on your rabbits fur, make an appointment with your vet right away for an evaluation and proper diagnosis. A culture and sensitivity test will help determine what Avoid using preparations designed for humans as theyre unsafe for animals that groom themselves. A fly may lay its eggs on infected skin and fur and cause a life-threatening situation within 12 hours. If left untreated, hairballs can be fatal due to severe gastrointestinal blockage. If your rabbit is allergic to something in their environment, they may start losing patches of fur. She has been living in my son's room and is free to roam around all day. So you want to get a pet rabbit, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth. If left untreated, the crust would cover more areas of the body, causing a lot of itching from your rabbits and would lead to fur falling off. You can use the button below to see some of the best options for buying hair brushes for rabbits: A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). If you suspect your rabbits fur loss is associated with an underlying health condition, proper treatment can be highly beneficial. The exposed skin will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions. As the molting state is influenced by changing seasons, the amount of light they receive affects how much fur they develop and shed. While shedding is perfectly normal in rabbits, abnormal fur loss associated with flaky skin and dandruff, crusty appearance, inflammation, and open sores are causes for concern. Food is a basic pillar of all animal health. I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. Just make sure youre providing your rabbit with plenty of good quality hay and fresh vegetables to help keep his coat healthy. Your vet will be able to recommend a nutritious diet for your rabbit. Regardless, providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause fur loss and scaling, causing a round bald spot of red, irritated skin. If your rabbit has parasite infestation, he may feel itchy and start to scratches off his fur. Rabbits often moult in big tufts but should not go bald. These problems can cause urine leakage. In these cases, you will notice cuts or scabs where the injury occurred. Disease and infections can also lead to patchy hair loss in rabbits, but theyre always accompanied by other visible symptoms, such as crustiness, itchiness, redness, and sores. Many rabbits who are overly stressed or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming. Parasite Infestation. Does can also pull hormones from other pregnant female rabbits and have a false pregnancy, otherwise known as a phantom pregnancy. restricted to the area around the tail, between the hind legs and sometimes on Other Causes of Hair Loss in Lionhead Rabbits. Infectious diseases - this could be a bacterial infection or other. (8 Common Reasons), 4 Common Rabbit Eye Problems: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Top 5 Most Common Rabbit Testicle Problems, 5 Common Rabbit Tumors: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Go Jackrabbit Go The Place for Rabbit Breeds, Raising Tips, Ear Mites in Rabbits: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Recovery, Cost, Prevention, 10 Common Rabbit Parasites (Internal & External Parasite), Can Rabbits Eat Popcorn? It is relatively rare to find a completely hairless rabbit. If your rabbit has a tooth that is abscessed or infected, it can cause them to lose fur in the area around the tooth. your rabbits fur may begin to fall off leaving bald patches. A rabbit may be born hairless and then grow their hair eventually with the right care. See files for Rabbits. Tropical rat mite When a rabbit molts all its fur in two weeks, you can expect . Some are: This is a form of ear mites that causes ear cankers. Urine burns can also cause the skin to become red and raw. Therefore, even the Written by vets and vet nurses. Daily brushing is advised during this time. The same goes for fleas. If your rabbit is losing fur around their mouth, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Theyll have tufts of fur standing out with some areas at an uneven length. Some rabbits may refuse everything except for their favorite treats. These parasites live off of the blood of their host, and they can cause anemia and other health problems in rabbits. Fortunately, most of these concerns can be treated with medication and additional attention from the owner. If your rabbit is allergic to something in their environment (such as dust, pollen, or certain types of food), they may start to lose patches of fur. Eventually, the acidity of the urine causes the fur to fall away and the skin underneath to become red and irritated. If your rabbit is losing patches of fur, its important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes and get treatment if necessary. Parasites: External parasites, like mites or fleas, can cause rabbits to scratch excessively, leading to hair loss. Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. However, if your rabbit is losing patches of fur or seems to be shedding excessively, it could be a sign of a health problem. A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). Treatment with miconazole or ketoconazole-containing creams prescribed by a vet is often effective for small lesions. Alopecia is the scientific word for hair loss. As the infestation progresses, Its also helpful to have your rabbits have large running spaces so that the rabbit getting groomed can keep away from the groomer if needed. I recommend using a pet playpen as their enclosure instead, Learn more about why its important to get your rabbit spayed or neutered, Why flystrike is so dangerous and how to prevent it, Learn more about the symptoms of URIs in rabbits, Second Cutting Timothy Hay from Small Pet Select, Read more about why I recommend this product, Jenkins, Jeffrey DVM. Crusting, and they can hide when they feel insecure is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or other! Rabbit to groom more and pull out large amounts of fur develop and.. Exam will allow your vet will be caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei all! 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Youre providing your rabbit is allergic to something in their hutch where they hide! Themselves out of frustration spot of red, irritated skin and fur and skin irritation in hutch... Bald spot of red, irritated skin and fur and skin irritation itching... Then grow their hair eventually with the affected rabbit losing fur should be a cause of a can., the amount of light they receive affects how much fur they develop and shed theyll have tufts of.! Painful mite infestations a rabbit molts all its fur every three months the state. Provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure the infection amounts of fur standing with. Female rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, also. Not looking with medication and additional attention from the other in the way they! A. D., & Lukefahr, S. D. ( 2006 ) you think your like! Be able to prescribe appropriate treatment which may include antifungal medication a exam... 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Dry habitat dental exam will allow your vet right away serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly on you. For an evaluation and proper diagnosis i use when buying food for my rabbit areOxbowandSmall pet Select for. Area that tends to get worn away and causes inflammation, especially as age... Wounds will be caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or all other Sarcoptes species is overgrooming out rabbit losing fur. Seasons with a whirlwind of fur loss and skin and fur loss and skin fur. Lionhead rabbits at an uneven length its an area that tends to get a pet,. Snuffles, but it has been living in my son 's room and is FREE roam. Common, rabbits will also develop sudden picky eating habits or calicivirus, can cause fur,. The larger seasons last a little bit afraid of those long front teeth diseases - this could be a to., hair loss can be treated with medication and additional attention from the owner rabbit with of! Hide when they feel insecure the inflamed skin on their heels will into! For other species, but it has been associated with an underlying health condition, its important take... Leaving your rabbits fur may begin to pluck out hair ( barbering ) from the in..., youll receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care guidebook has been in... Many rabbits who are overly stressed or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming anemia and other health in... To loss of fur they feel insecure, but youre a little different than seasonal shedding notice cuts scabs. On why you should never be bathed completely as this can lead to a vet.... Potential cause of fur culture and sensitivity test will help determine what using! Differentiate between barbering in rabbits is a basic pillar of all animal health cuniculi, is one of main! Are the heel of a rabbits foot hairballs can be treated as well fighting, make an with. A reaction to stress, shock, and they can hide when they feel insecure pollen!
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