There are few animals which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits. These infestations and infections can often result in a dermatological disease such as ringworm. This leads to urine being absorbed by its skin and fur. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. Underlying conditions may include physical or behavioral health issues. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. result of stress, boredom or poor health. central nervous system. Abnormal hair or fur loss (also called alopecia), looks a little different than seasonal shedding. are often caused by a myriad of factors, including: Fur loss can be caused by a severe flea infestation, which can lead to severe itching. Worsening of the symptoms Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more! You can bring them together again, but under close supervision. Then you will receive tips and tricks about rabbit care straight to your inbox so that you know youll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. Your vet may also prescribe painkillers to relieve pain and irritation. This doesn't mean you won't see the rabbit pull hair from other parts of the body. Important: These are Affiliate links. Fortunately, alopecia in rabbits is often treatable and rarely permanent. However, the time duration differs from one breed to another and between two different rabbits of the same breed. 1. Always seek help from a veterinarian who has experience with rabbits for 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. Hair loss is defined as a complete or partial hair loss. - Causes and Treatment, forming hairballs (trichobezoars) in rabbits, https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, https://riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons. Fur loss associated with ringworm fungus is often bald, patchy and round with distinct edges. This genetic anomaly also generally comes with other health issues and results in the premature death of the rabbit. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. We discuss these in the sections below. 4. 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. This makes the wet areas sore and itchy, causing the fur to fall out. If so, youre not alone. Hi, Everybody! It usually causes less itching than the ear cankers and mange, but a bunny would itch if this parasite is present. This can be very painful for the rabbit. If your rabbit isnt getting enough nutrients from its food, this can lead to poor coat condition and excessive shedding. Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. Irritated or reddened eyes. In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. Longer hair breeds may simply shed more noticeably, but all rabbits will need to be brushed during their molting season. Before you panic, its important to know that some shedding is normal for rabbits. She has been living with us for about three years and has never shed like this before. Rabbits should never be bathed completely as this can lead to stress, shock, and even death. See files for Rabbits. As rabbits reach elderly status, their fur will start to thin, especially around the eyes, nose, and ears. severely affected, amputation may be the only way to alleviate the pain. If your rabbit isnt getting enough fiber in their diet, they may shed more fur. How to Prevent Itching and Scratching. It could also experience urine dribbling. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. loss from the ears and infections that can damage the inner ear and reach the From 393 quotes ranging from $100 - $300. Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. Adequate intake of fiber will also help to avoid other gastrointestinal issues. 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). Sometimes rabbits who are not pregnant will have false pregnancies and exhibit the same behavior. So it would seem like your rabbit is exhibiting cold symptoms if it has snuffles. Stress: Rabbits are very sensitive animals and any type of stress can lead to health problems, including hair loss. Make contact gradually and reassure them continually. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 7 Best Black Rabbit Breeds (With Pictures), 7 Best White Rabbit Breeds (with Pictures), 8 Best Long Haired Rabbits (with Pictures), Dutch Rabbit: Appearance, Lifespan, Temperament, Care Sheet, Why Is My Rabbit Breathing Fast? This is because the rabbit has easy access to this area and will often barber it as a reaction to stress. The next day, he started to lose fur around his eyes. Parasites such as mites or fleas can also cause your rabbit to lose fur. restricted to the area around the tail, between the hind legs and sometimes on The flaked fur will eventually fall off if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin. 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. 3. rabbits. Yes, its possible. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? A culture and sensitivity test will help determine what Always look for any cuts, scabs, or fallen fur. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. Chilling, liver problems, and overheating should also be taken into consideration. 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. While not very common, rabbits can develop a skin disease that causes them to lose patches of fur. the best possible treatment. This common disorder in rabbits may often be the symptom of another cause, such as infection, trauma or immune disorder. 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. There are many reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur, but here are 15 possible causes: 1. To treat overgrooming, try letting your rabbits have more types of mites. Its also pretty standard for rabbits to have a somewhat shaggy appearance when they are shedding. Signs that your pet rabbit is getting old may include a greying coat, cataracts or loss of sight, hearing loss, or sleeping more often. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can cause fur loss and scaling, causing a round bald spot of red, irritated skin. Fur mites or Cheyletiella Eventually, the acidity of the urine causes the fur to fall away and the skin underneath to become red and irritated. It can be localized to just a small area or be generalized over the entire body. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. 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. Finally, as rabbits age their fur can start to thin out and fall out more easily. When female rabbits are pregnant, they will pluck their fur from their dewlap, chest, and forelegs to use as a lining for a nest. Are you concerned that your rabbit is losing patches of fur? However, if the rabbit cannot swallow, it could be related to other problems such as inflammation in the throat. antibiotic will be most safe and effective against the type of bacterial Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. Provide them with a variety of new toys to keep These can grow out of control, and impinge on the tear ducts. link to 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls, Normal rabbit shedding patterns and seasonal changes to expect, What changes to expect as your rabbit ages, learn how to reduce stress in your rabbits environment. There are a few different conditions that can cause this symptom, so its important to get a diagnosis and treatment plan from a professional. Their breathing is different Image Credit: Xaya, Pixabay. 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. This can vary among rabbits, with some being more willing to eat pellets but not hay, others refusing to eat pellets and some even avoiding water. playtime or free running time. (2022). When they hatch, the maggots burrow into the rabbits skin and cause their condition to decline very quickly. Urine is caustic, causing burning in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss. Inheritance of the naked gene and associations with postweaning performance and thermotolerance characters in fryer rabbits from an F2 generation. There are many potential causes of this condition, including dental problems, viral infections, and malnutrition. $200. 208217 & SC037585, Find out more about PDSA's vet care services. Saliva burn is caused by dental problems in rabbits. Other bacterial infections on the skin can lead to scratching and itching, leading to hair loss. The molting or shedding season can last between two and six weeks. Food is a basic pillar of all animal health. Slipper is not pulling out her own hair. Fur loss around the eyes and nose is often the result of an upper respiratory infection, such as snuffles, but other skin infections can occur, especially around cuts and scrapes. Cancer: Unfortunately, cancer is also a common condition in older rabbits and can cause hair loss as well as other symptoms such as weight loss and lethargy. Typically, a bunnys urine colorshould be yellow or dark orange. Blocked tear ducts are often a result of dental issues. However, in most cases, theres no need to be concerned. Blocked bust ducts are much a resultant role of dental issues. Regardless, providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior. Anxiety: Rabbits are very sensitive animals and can get anxious easily. This is because tropical rat mites permanently reside on a primary host, which is often rats and sometimes pigeons. A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). One of the most important aspects is the breed as some long haired rabbit breeds will have more to shed. mildest cases of mange should be treated immediately. Rabbits with thin fur on the bottoms of their feet, such as the rex rabbit, may also be predisposed to this condition. Symptoms and Types. Your rabbits skin and coat should be a window to its health. to determine if the infection has reached the bone, along with associated with the following: Such types of fur loss There are parasites which can internally, and externally affect a rabbit causing health issues. It seems going to be better. the feet and up the belly, chances are your bunny has a urinary tract Although healthy rabbits will shed a certain amount of fur throughout the year, alopecia in rabbits is an amount of hair loss which is considered abnormal. cleanse it gently as recommended by your vet to prevent future complications, A fly may lay its eggs on infected skin and fur and cause a life-threatening situation within 12 hours. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. An eye infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be causing this. Your vet will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and help your rabbit recover. 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. Note that even the calmest rabbit can become unruly and grumpy when infested with burrowing mange mites. If you notice dark patches on your rabbits fur, make an appointment with your vet right away for an evaluation and proper diagnosis. Fortunately, most of these concerns can be treated with medication and additional attention from the owner. As the infestation progresses, Other Causes of Hair Loss in Lionhead Rabbits. Your rabbit has a fungal infection such as ringworm 6. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. such as GI slowdown or ileus. positive results. Though less common, rabbits can also be infested with other parasites, such as lice, rat mites, and feather mites. Moulting - Moulting and seasonal fur loss is perfectly normal. I had 2 rabbits suffer from fly-strike (several years ago). I then treated her with Ivermicin liquid (Advocat in my case) I use one drop per kg to the back of the neck between the shoulders and repeat it once a month for 3 months. The Fur Around The Tail Will Grow Back, But The Tail Will Not. Theyll have tufts of fur standing out with some areas at an uneven length. Your rabbit is grooming excessively due to stress or boredom. While it is normal to see your bunny grooming itself, you should also watch out if it becomes too much. What could this be and should we take her to the vet? They feed on rabbits and many mammals. 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. Abscesses are large, bald bumps on a rabbits skin. If your rabbit scratches its skin frequently, then it could be the reason for hair loss. Fungal infections in Don't overstimulate your rabbit or manipulate it against their will. Your rabbit is not getting enough vitamin A in their diet 8. The type of infection will manifest itself in different ways. This can be caused by a number of things, including stress, poor diet, and parasites. Alopecia can develop in patches or as thinning fur and is a symptom of many different conditions. Mucus would be coming out from its nose. 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. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Rabbits lose patches of fur due to parasite infections (lice, fleas, mites, and fungus), urinary tract disorders, dental issues, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial . parasitivorax, lead to more subtle symptoms than those of ear canker or This will cause bald spots in these areas. Some causes of alopecia in rabbits are perfectly natural, but some are not, and require treatment. Allergies: Like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, dander, certain foods, etc. This can happen when a rabbit is stressed or anxious, and they start grooming themselves excessively, leading to bald spots. I will go over both normal and abnormal patterns of hair loss in rabbits so that you know whether to get medical help or simply learn to live with all the rabbit fur. Rabbits have long teeth, with equally drawn-out roots. When this happens, they run the risk of forming hairballs (trichobezoars) in rabbits which can lead to obstructions in the digestive system. During spring and when its almost summer, your rabbit will lose its heavy winter coat to keep cool during the summer. It is important to differentiate between healthy seasonal shedding in rabbits and unhealthy hair loss in rabbits known as alopecia. Its an area that tends to get worn away and causes inflammation, especially as rabbits age. In pathological conditions, the rabbits fur will likely fall out in patches, often with skin showing. Treatment with miconazole or ketoconazole-containing creams prescribed by a vet is often effective for small lesions. Sometimes, an early symptom of flystrike is a small bald patch where the fly laid the eggs. In rabbits, mange appears as whitish or beige crusts that usually start around the edges of the eyelids, borders of the eyes, the mouth, nose, and toes. This is especially common among rabbits with a large dewlap (what is a dewlap?). This parasite gets into your bunny ears and produces red-brown crusts in the ear canal, causing severe discomfort for your bunny. rabbit loses excessive amounts of fur throughout the year, a trip to the vet is If your rabbit is stressed or anxious, they may start balding due to self-grooming (over-grooming themselves until they start to lose fur). They typically cause intense itching and scratching, which can lead to hair loss. 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. First, it could be due to the time of year. Your rabbit is not getting enough essential fatty acids in their diet. Hair loss is typically associated with a problem that affects the growth of hair follicles and this could be due to a variety of things which includes the following: Parasitic infections - this could be ear mites, fleas or lice. While some play fighting is okay, severe fighting should be Dental problems will cause a loss of appetite as well as saliva burn (responsible for hair loss). 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. This is a normal reason why a rabbit is losing fur and is known as barbering in rabbits. Keep your rabbit comfortable while your veterinarian finds the cause of urine It could be a sign of illness, an allergic reaction, or simply because hes getting older. 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. the condition. It is usually classified by the presence of dandruff-like flaking on the fur. Your rabbit will groom itself to keep clean, but grooming could also cause alopecia. These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. 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? A dental exam will allow your vet to detect any molar spurs. Although barbering is a normal behavior, it can be avoided. Its also important to They also fight for dominance. My Rabbit Is Losing Fur - Alopecia in Rabbits, Why is My Dog Losing Hair? Rabbit alopecia is a condition that causes rabbits to lose their fur. 3. If you shave the fur on your rabbit's tail, the fur will grow back. another. The discomfort would lead to your rabbit repeatedly scratching its ears and losing the fur there. 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