severe signs of ear mites in rabbits include spasms of the eye muscles and 4. If youve noticed that your rabbit is shedding in clumps, there are a few possible reasons why. Hair loss is defined as a complete or partial hair loss. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. Learn more about one of the most stressful things to do with our article on why you should never trance a rabbit. The above signs are often related to dental issues such as molar spurs or molar abscess. When you have more than one rabbit living together as a pair, one of them might be overgrooming the other rabbit, causing patches of hair loss (especially around the ears and eyes). These viruses can cause rabbits to develop sores or scabs on their skin, which can then lead to hair loss. Ringworm fungus may cause slight irritation to the skin, sometimes accompanied by tiny, raised, red spots. Fur loss in rabbits is normal when its part of their regular shedding seasons. I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. There are many reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur, but here are 15 possible causes: 1. your rabbits fur may begin to fall off leaving bald patches. Urinary tract problems include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and bladder sludge. Brush off excess fur with your hands. Allergies can be caused by anything from dust or pollen to certain foods or medications. Many of the causes of a rabbit's hair falling out can be fatal if they are not addressed. Your vet will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and help your rabbit recover. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. It is usually classified by the presence of dandruff-like flaking on the fur. If you suspect your bunny has a parasite infection, you should take it to a vet to be looked at. Mites will also cause crusts to form around these same areas. It could also experience urine dribbling. another. We should put their diet under review to ensure it is optimal for our specific rabbit. loss from the ears and infections that can damage the inner ear and reach the I now also use this treatment (once a month) as it works for ear and skin mites. Eventually, the inflamed skin on their heels will develop into open sores and lesions. In pathological conditions, the rabbits fur will likely fall out in patches, often with skin showing. However, for patchy hair loss, its always best to ensure As the infestation progresses, However, rabbits who grow up together can also be hostile towards each other because they had hit a hard path. Once you establish that your bunnies fight rather than play together, keep them separated from each other for a while to see if the hair loss continues. Your vet may not be Longer hair breeds may simply shed more noticeably, but all rabbits will need to be brushed during their molting season. If you shave the fur on your rabbit's tail, the fur will grow back. Your email address will not be published. The rabbit cage should have plenty of space. There are few animals which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits. Some diseases might be zoonotic, so it is important to ensure these problems are dealt with early so that they do not spread. Urine scalding also leads to loss of fur in the genital area and the hindquarters. 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. Bunnies can get bacterial infections in places not related to the urinary tract. 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. 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]. Skin Diseases in Rabbits: Common Causes, Common Treatments.. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. So you might also see scratch marks on the skin, typically around the ears. Usually, during pregnancy, does tend to pull out large amounts of fur from their skin. 1. Urine scalding will often happen as a result of an unclean living environment. Rabbits lose fur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological. such as GI slowdown or ileus. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. As an associate to Amazon, Small Pet Select, and Chewy.com, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases. One common reason for hair loss in rabbits is due to moulting. The treatment for ear canker in rabbits is 3 treatments of ivermectin injections once every 10-14 days, or one moxidectin injection every 10 days for two treatments. If you have more than one bunny and you find one grooming the other, you have to be on alert because, unlike some animals, grooming isnt an act of bonding for bunnies but rather a sign of dominance. They feed on rabbits and many mammals. But what if your doe isnt pregnant yet its losing hair? Domestic rabbits might shed moderately every 3 months. Chilling, liver problems, and overheating should also be taken into consideration. Something like warts or rabbit syphilis can be the cause of your rabbits fur loss, especially when accompanied by bumps or areas that look infected. This doesn't mean you won't see the rabbit pull hair from other parts of the body. Make sure to keep your rabbits habitat clean and scoop out their litter box every day. parasites are not difficult to eliminate and treatment often leads to immediate They will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment which may include antifungal medication. This can mean that one rabbit is anxious in the pair and trying to appease the other, more dominant rabbit, but its not necessarily indicative of any behavioral or health problems. There are no recognized hairless rabbit breeds, but if the genetic discrepancies can be addressed, then it is possible such a breed may exist in the future. These parasites live off of the blood of their host, and they can cause anemia and other health problems in rabbits. Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss in rabbits. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. This advice is for UK pets only. Fur loss in rabbits with no other lesions can have many different causes, including fur-plucking, barbering, hormonal problems, and previous localized inflammation. Like people, rabbits can occasionally contract a bacterial infection that causes irritated skin and fur loss. Slipper is not pulling out her own hair. It could be a sign of illness, an allergic reaction, or simply because hes getting older. A false pregnancy will make your doe pull out its fur to nest even though no babies are coming. If you notice any other changes in his behavior or appearance, take him to the vet right away. It is usually classified by the presence of dandruff-like flaking on the fur. The fur loss can be extremely itchy and irritating for the rabbit. This technique has proven to be effective for the survival of babies, especially in the wild. With their teeth in the way, they may end up developing urine scalding. If your rabbit is sick, the fur loss could be a symptom of something more serious. Like humans, rabbits could also get bacterial infections that affect the urinary tract (kidneys and bladders). If your rabbit is losing fur, its important to take them to the vet so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated. Hair Loss Average Cost. We can differentiate between barbering in rabbits and other types of alopecia by looking to see if they have any other symptoms. So if youre reading this because youre worried about the amount of fur your rabbit is losing, my guess is that you have nothing to worry about. 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. Its important to treat this condition promptly with antibiotics to avoid serious complications. However, some rabbits seem not to have any set pattern and will lose fur in patches from all over their body at the same time. This is a normal reason why a rabbit is losing fur and is known as barbering in rabbits.With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next . 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). 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! of a vital structural component of fungal cell walls, called chitin. (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? Flystrike is a deadly illness that is caused when flies lay eggs on a rabbits hindquarters. Its a good idea to get your rabbit checked for any other health concerns, but often this is just a symptom of age in rabbits. that your rabbit is molting normally and is not pulling out its own fur as a EGC can lead to hair loss, itching, and ulceration of the skin. Does can also pull hormones from other pregnant female rabbits and have a false pregnancy, otherwise known as a phantom pregnancy. Rabbit alopecia can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly. You can tell if your bunny has a urinary tract infection from its urine. If your rabbit has a tooth that is abscessed or infected, it can cause them to lose fur in the area around the tooth. In 5. Symptoms of ear mites include: More They may even make matters worse if there is an underlying infection. The Fur Around The Tail Will Grow Back, But The Tail Will Not. As a result, malnourishment can also lead to hair loss in rabbits. Therefore, the transmission of the mites to your rabbits and other companion animals will continue until the primary hosts (rats or pigeons) are removed from your local environment. See files for Rabbits. 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. She has many toys that we try to switch out every couple of months. Even though topical or mineral oil ointments that are to be instilled in the ears are sometimes recommended for ear mites, theyre not effective. All animals in contact with the affected pet should be treated as well even if they dont show any symptoms. Yes, it is normal for a rabbit to lose patches of fur. The length of time it takes for a rabbit to shed its hair varies from a few days to up to 3 weeks. Abscesses are large, bald bumps on a rabbits skin. bacterial skin infections because their skin can never stay dry enough. Your rabbit has a fungal infection such as ringworm 6. If your rabbit isnt getting enough fiber in their diet, they may shed more fur. Skin Disorders of the Rabbit., Krempels, Dana Ph.D. Fur Loss and Skin Problems in Rabbits: Common Causes and Treatments., Wilsbach, Kathleen PhD. If your avoided to prevent serious injuries and permanent grudges between rabbits. For example, an upper respiratory bacterial infection called snuffles can lead to alopecia around the eyes and nose. All rabbits shed their 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. Its best to get medication and instructions from your veterinarian so you can help your rabbit get rid of the infection. parasitivorax, lead to more subtle symptoms than those of ear canker or Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances (e.g., due to pregnancy or puberty) can cause hair loss in rabbits (as well as other animals). Blocked tear ducts are often a result of dental issues. If your rabbit is obese, weight reduction is a possible cure. Superficial pyoderma can also lead to hair loss, itching, and ulceration of the skin. However, it is coming out in clumps when we pet her. Third, diet can also influence how much your rabbit sheds. Like other animals, rabbits experience normal hair loss, usually referred to as shedding. Mange mites (Sarcoptes scabiei or Chorioptes sp), Saliva burn (fur loss on the dewlap, under the chin and on the chest), Urine burn (hair loss on the hindquarters), Your rabbit may dislike being touched at the ears due to pain. Ordinarily, healthy rabbits do not drool at all. Rabbits should never be bathed completely as this can lead to stress, shock, and even death. Regardless, providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior. If fur loss is In rabbits, scaling, crusting, and bald spots are more common than the red ring. Compare top pet insurance plans. If youre concerned about your rabbits shedding, talk to your vet about ways to help reduce it. If your rabbit has ringworm, it will cause them to lose patches of fur. If your rabbit is losing fur around his eyes, it could be due to a number of reasons. Read all my blogs and reviews about rabbits. In many cases, this type of fur loss is also accompanied by wet skin or fur in these areas. So you want to get a pet rabbit, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth. Many mammals go through a natural hair loss process annually, some even more than once a year. Rabbit alopecia is a condition that causes rabbits to lose their fur. Always seek help from a veterinarian who has experience with rabbits for as flakes in the skin that resemble dandruff. Your vet may also prescribe painkillers to relieve pain and irritation. Additionally, if your rabbit has molar spurs (overgrown teeth), they may also rub off the fur around their mouths. 2. Several parasites could infect your rabbit and leave it very itchy and uncomfortable. (2022). The process takes 2-6 weeks. When a rabbit has been eating improperly for too long, then it is possible they have other dietary related problems such as obesity. 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. 2023 RabbitCareTips.com. Fur-plucking in the neck or dewlap, belly, and leg areas occurs in pregnant females who are close to delivery, to line their nest. The freezing recommendation for any rabbit supplies is an excellent place to begin as is the use of fragrance-free laundry products for any washable rabbit bedding. (Nutrition, Benefits, & Feeding Tips), 7 Rabbit Safe Woods that You can Use to Build a Rabbit Hutch, 4 Reasons Your Rabbits Jump Over Each Other. Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 142813.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, 4. If your vet suspects that your rabbits fur loss may be associated with a hormonal imbalance, he may order a blood sample for an analysis of your rabbits endocrine systems, such as its thyroid function. While not very common, rabbits can develop a skin disease that causes them to lose patches of fur. These problems can cause urine leakage. World Rabbit Sci., 14, 147-155.https://riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, Click to attach a photo related to your comment. 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.). 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. A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). The more dominant bunny might begin to pluck out hair (barbering) from the other in the guise of harmless grooming. If this happens, they will usually have inflamed skin or scratch marks due to the itching as well. Keep your rabbit comfortable while your veterinarian finds the cause of urine However, the condition may also occur in rabbits The somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur and cause bald irritated skin. Urine scalding is a condition that occurs when urine gets onto a rabbits fur and skin and sits there for long periods of time. If you notice your rabbit has developed dark patches on their fur, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Rabbit alopecia is a condition that causes rabbits to lose their fur. 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