In pathological conditions, the rabbits fur will likely fall out in patches, often with skin showing. An infection due to a wound or an infestation due to mites or other parasites are also possible causes. They also fight for dominance. This article is purely informative. These viruses can cause rabbits to develop sores or scabs on their skin, which can then lead to hair loss. An eye infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be causing this. Urine scalding also leads to loss of fur in the genital area and the hindquarters. Your vet may recommend I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. the condition. Rabbits show signs of false pregnancy or nesting should be spayed immediately to avoid the risk of uterine cancer, mammary cancer, and other health concerns associated with an intact reproductive system. Some rabbits might lose more fur than others, but it's generally not a cause for concern as long as the rabbit is healthy and eating well. Rabbits are very sensitive animals, and even small changes in their environment or routine can cause them stress. helping your rabbits skin heal with a dry butt bath for rabbits. central nervous system. In these cases, you will notice cuts or scabs where the injury occurred. 4. Anxiety. mild cases, providing a soft and absorbent resting surface, such as cotton or Your rabbit has a bacterial infection 7. Stress: Rabbits are very sensitive animals and any type of stress can lead to health problems, including hair loss. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. While its normal for rabbits to shed during moulting season, if the hair loss seems excessive or if bald spots are appearing on other parts of the body (not just the coat), it could be a sign of an underlying health condition and you should take your rabbit to the vet for a check-up. Irritated or reddened eyes. We discuss these in the sections below. Dirty bottom - If your rabbit has a wet bottom for more than a few days they are very likely to develop alopecia, urine scald and infected skin. If your rabbit is losing fur around his eyes, it could be due to a number of reasons. With their teeth in the way, they may end up developing urine scalding. This will cause bald spots in these areas. Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. Other signs include runny eyes, difficult breathing, coughing, sneezing, etc. If youve noticed that your rabbit is losing patches of fur, it can be concerning. These both have high quality rabbit products and are companies that care about the health of our small animals. 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. Allergic reactions are another possible cause of fur loss. For example, a lack of vitamin A can lead to dry/brittle fur and hair loss. rabbit sheds and the length of the molting period varies from one rabbit to As rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, we are able to better understand their grooming needs and how to meet them. Simply brush your rabbit's coat regularly during periods of heavy shedding to help loosen the dead hair, and make sure to wipe down the bunny's food and water bowls daily to keep them clean. 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. If your rabbit isnt getting enough nutrients from its food, this can lead to poor coat condition and excessive shedding. In some cases, increasing your rabbits quality of life will help them recover and regrow their fur quickly, but in other cases, it will require professional diagnosis and medication. In rabbits, scaling, crusting, and bald spots are more common than the red ring. All rights reserved. If rabbits didnt grow up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other. 1. These The best way to avoid flystrike is to keep your rabbit in a dry habitat. Viral infections, such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, can also cause rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. Use of straw and wood shavings as nest material in primiparous does. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, 2. Your rabbit may lose fur This happens because it is losing old fur faster than it is growing new fur. If you suspect your rabbits fur loss is associated with an underlying health condition, proper treatment can be highly beneficial. According to Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, selamectin or ivermectin are effective drugs in treating mite infestations in rabbits. These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. Although barbering is a normal behavior, it can be avoided. However, the time duration differs from one breed to another and between two different rabbits of the same breed. These can be corrected by filing them smooth. Blocked tear ducts are often a result of dental issues. Its best to get medication and instructions from your veterinarian so you can help your rabbit get rid of the infection. Important: These are Affiliate links. Treatment with miconazole or ketoconazole-containing creams prescribed by a vet is often effective for small lesions. Adequate intake of fiber will also help to avoid other gastrointestinal issues. Another uncommon cause of skin disease or hair loss could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance. Ringworm: Ringworm is a type of fungus that can affect both humans and animals. -The most common type of infection that leads to fur loss around the eyes and nose is an upper respiratory infection. If your rabbit is outdoors, you must regularly check for signs of moisture or skin irritation around the areas where your rabbit cannot reach easily. Always seek help from a veterinarian who has experience with rabbits for Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. If the infection has penetrated the bone and only one foot is twisting of the head (torticollis). This common disorder in rabbits may often be the symptom of another cause, such as infection, trauma or immune disorder. from Small Pet Select! If they have a parasitic infection, it could lead to severe itching, which would, in turn, lead to your bunny scratching its body so hard that its fur falls out. Many mammals go through a natural hair loss process annually, some even more than once a year. Dental Problems. Your email address will not be published. If your rabbit is allergic to something in its environment, it may start to lose patches of fur. Your rabbit is grooming excessively due to stress or boredom. So you might also see scratch marks on the skin, typically around the ears. Provide a small space in their hutch where they can hide when they feel insecure. If you cannot find it, take your rabbit away from the environment for a while. There are few animals which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits. Alopecia can develop in patches or as thinning fur and is a symptom of many different conditions. that your rabbit is molting normally and is not pulling out its own fur as a The exposed skin will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions. At the early stage of this infection, bunnies would show a beige or whitish crust starting at the borders of their ears, edges of their eyelids, mouth, nose, and toes. Even with a skin Also known as alopecia, hair loss in rabbits is a common concern among owners. culture/sensitivity testing and appropriate antibiotics. 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. Brush off excess fur with your hands. able to find anything thats obviously wrong, however, treatment with Stress Induced Acral Lick Dermatitis in a Domestic Rabbit: A Case Report. It is normal for your bunny to shed old fur so taht they can grow new ones, but when it becomes excessive, its no longer normal. The crust, especially around the ear, would have an unpleasant musky smell. Stress can also lead to other health problems such as digestive issues, so its important to try and keep your rabbit as relaxed as possible. This causes pain and severe discomfort. Let's get to know further the causes of hair loss in rabbits. Fur loss may be restricted to the region under the chin, in the folds of the dewlap or down the chest. 4. Read all my blogs and reviews about rabbits. The same goes for fleas. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. Tropical rat mite Sometimes rabbits who are not pregnant will have false pregnancies and exhibit the same behavior. Any type of fur loss, Rabbits lose fur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological. How noticeable is the fur loss depends on the type of rabbit as some longhaired rabbits might seem as if they have an abundant amount, but we can see patches missing if we part their fur. types of mites. By themselves, fleas dont cause much fur loss, but they can cause your rabbit to itch excessively, eventually causing bald patches. An overweight rabbit might be too large to scratch themselves properly, something which can lead to a rabbit barbering out of frustration. 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. Bullet points. These are often indications of a fight going on while youre away. How to Prevent Itching and Scratching. The process takes 2-6 weeks. Typically, a bunnys urine colorshould be yellow or dark orange. such as GI slowdown or ileus. 2. If you are purchasing anything fromSmall Pet Selectuse the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15% off your first order. Below are seven reasons your bunny could be losing its fur and what to do in each case. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. So you might notice this even if you have a single female rabbit who could not possibly be having babies. Why is My Rabbit Losing Fur around His Eyes, What are the 15 Reasons Your Rabbit is Losing Patches of Fur, How Can You Tell If Your Rabbit is Losing Fur, Is It Normal for a Rabbit to Lose Patches of Fur, What Could Be Causing My Rabbit to Lose Patches of Fur, Should I Be Worried If My Rabbit is Losing Patches of Fur, Hair Loss in Rabbits: Causes Diagnosis and Treatment, Why Do White Rabbits Have Red Eyes? If left untreated, it can be fatal. Ringworm takes its name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing middle. Here are 15 possible reasons why your rabbit might be losing patches of fur: antibiotic will be most safe and effective against the type of bacterial The best way to know is to check for clues and evidence. If you notice your rabbit has developed dark patches on their fur, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. parasitivorax, lead to more subtle symptoms than those of ear canker or (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? Many rabbits who are overly stressed or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming. 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls. In many cases, this type of fur loss is also accompanied by wet skin or fur in these areas. fourth, genetics can also play a role in how much fur a rabbit sheds. infection your rabbit is suffering from. With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next for the arrival of her kittens. Skin Disorders of the Rabbit., Krempels, Dana Ph.D. Fur Loss and Skin Problems in Rabbits: Common Causes and Treatments., Wilsbach, Kathleen PhD. Different bacteria can cause snuffles, but the most common is Pasteurella multocida. Over time, however, your rabbit will start to slow down and sleep more. Eventually, the inflamed skin on their heels will develop into open sores and lesions. A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is much a result of eyepiece free. Rabbit alopecia is a condition that causes rabbits to lose their fur. severely affected, amputation may be the only way to alleviate the pain. It could also experience urine dribbling. However, this can also happen if rabbits get wet in other areas too. Several parasites could infect your rabbit and leave it very itchy and uncomfortable. -Bacterial infections can cause itchy skin and fur loss in rabbits. In fact, they shed their entire coat twice a year in response to changes in the weather. The type of infection will manifest itself in different ways. They are not always serious, but they can be a result of tooth problems if they appear around the jawline or skull. Here are a few reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur and what you can do about it. Other times it may seem like a strange or random behavior that is not connected to any obvious health problems. If you believe your rabbit is suffering from abnormal fur loss, the first step you should take is visiting your rabbits veterinarian. In normal shedding, this should be a problem. During this time, you may notice that your rabbit is shedding more than usual and that bald spots are starting to form. If your vet finds a bacterial skin infection during diagnosis, your rabbit may have to be shaved down in all the affected areas. Rabbits should never be bathed completely as this can lead to stress, shock, and even death. This doesn't mean you won't see the rabbit pull hair from other parts of the body. Believe it or not, its normal for rabbits to lose a lot of fur during normal and healthy shedding seasons. If you want to either treat a rabbit which is already stressed or reduce the chances of becoming stressed in the first place, you should consider the following: If a rabbit has been stressed to the point where they have removed hair from their body in clumps or patches, then they should be take to the vet for assessment. 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. Up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other,... 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