A pregnant rabbit will only pull out her fur if for a nest if there are no suitable materials in her environment. The above signs are often related to dental issues such as molar spurs or molar abscess. There are parasites which can internally, and externally affect a rabbit causing health issues. Rabbit alopecia is a condition that causes rabbits to lose their fur. Urine is caustic, causing burning in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss. 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. Some rabbits may refuse everything except for their favorite treats. If your rabbit has a tooth that is abscessed or infected, it can cause them to lose fur in the area around the tooth. A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is much a result of eyepiece free. Anxiety: Rabbits are very sensitive animals and can get anxious easily. Here are 15 possible reasons why your rabbit might be losing patches of fur: If you suspect your bunny has a parasite infection, you should take it to a vet to be looked at. Viral infections, such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, can also cause rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. Normal molting in rabbits follows a distinctive pattern. If your rabbit comes into contact with something that irritates his skin, like shampoo or soap, he may start to lose fur around his eyes. Over time, this can cause fur loss on the affected areas. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. When a rabbit molts all its fur in two weeks, you can expect . One of the most important aspects is the breed as some long haired rabbit breeds will have more to shed. 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. If problems develop, immediate care, such as providing warmth, corticosteroids and warm IV fluids will be needed. infestations can be extremely itchy, resulting in patchy hair loss in In the long-term, ear mites can cause skin Dental issues can cause fur loss because it prevents the rabbit from being able to clean themselves properly. Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. Some of the common pathological reasons why a rabbit's hair is falling out include: If you see these symptoms when a rabbit is losing hair, then you need to need to take them to the vet. Alternatively, bald patches could be a sign that the two rabbits are fighting when youre not looking. 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. Other times it may seem like a strange or random behavior that is not connected to any obvious health problems. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! Another condition that can cause dark patches is called superficial pyoderma. (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. If you notice your rabbit has developed dark patches on their fur, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. If the molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out. rabbit sheds and the length of the molting period varies from one rabbit to 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. In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. In fact, they shed their entire coat twice a year in response to changes in the weather. severe signs of ear mites in rabbits include spasms of the eye muscles and Getting your rabbit spayed should solve this behavior. All rabbits shed their Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. antibiotic will be most safe and effective against the type of bacterial Look out for signs of shock, such as weakness, severe depression, and pale mucous membranes. Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. Its caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei and other species of Sarcoptes. Srivastava, M., et al. If you believe your doe has a false pregnancy, get her spayed. Its also important to Your vet will also prescribe medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure the infection. (Albinism). Hair loss in rabbits, also called alopecia, can be caused by a variety of possible problems. Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. During spring and when its almost summer, your rabbit will lose its heavy winter coat to keep cool during the summer. The skin underneath should not be red or inflamed, and the new fur should start to grow back within a couple of days. Rabbit alopecia is a condition that causes rabbits to lose their fur. Alopecia can develop in patches or as thinning fur and is a symptom of many different conditions. Moulting usually occurs twice a year and can last for several weeks. 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. These mites can be killed with ivermectin or selamectin but permanent elimination is more challenging for tropical rat mites that live on rabbits. 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. Let me know if you need anything else. 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! It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. These conditions make rabbits drool. 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. There will be tufts of fur strewn about the room and the rabbits behavior toward each other will likely change as they become warier of each other. 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. From 393 quotes ranging from $100 - $300. As the molting state is influenced by changing seasons, the amount of light they receive affects how much fur they develop and shed. the feet and up the belly, chances are your bunny has a urinary tract Fipronil may be considered safe for other species, but it has been associated with severe neurological effects and deaths in rabbits. 2. Itching can cause loss of fur when the rabbit scratches its skin repeatedly. playtime or free running time. (2014). to determine if the infection has reached the bone, along with Brush off excess fur with your hands. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. You need to become more attentive to its behaviors to decipher what the cause could be. central nervous system. the best possible treatment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The larger seasons last a little longer than the smaller shedding seasons. selamectin may alleviate physical and behavioral issues. Usually, an actual pregnancy takes 31 days, while a phantom pregnancy takes 18 days. In rabbits, scaling, crusting, and bald spots are more common than the red ring. 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. I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. 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 rabbit scratches its skin frequently, then it could be the reason for hair loss. Mites will also cause crusts to form around these same areas. 5. Eventually, the fur might become so thin that it gives way to bald patches. Use of straw and wood shavings as nest material in primiparous does. Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more! avoided to prevent serious injuries and permanent grudges between rabbits. Provide them with a variety of new toys to keep If rabbits didnt grow up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other. If you are concerned about your pets health, please contact your vet directly. If your rabbit isnt getting enough nutrients from its food, this can lead to poor coat condition and excessive shedding. 6. Many rabbits who are overly stressed or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming. Written by vets and vet nurses. Fur loss in rabbits is normal when its part of their regular shedding seasons. (2022). Parasite Infestation. Allergies: Like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, dander, certain foods, etc. rabbit is suffering from a urinary tract problem, take it to a vet immediately. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Signs that your pet rabbit is getting old may include a greying coat, cataracts or loss of sight, hearing loss, or sleeping more often. This makes the wet areas sore and itchy, causing the fur to fall out. While not very common, rabbits can develop a skin disease that causes them to lose patches of fur. These infestations and infections can often result in a dermatological disease such as ringworm. Infectious diseases - this could be a bacterial infection or other. Another uncommon cause of skin disease or hair loss could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance. These can be corrected by filing them smooth. Therefore, it is 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. With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next for the arrival of her kittens. If your rabbits are fighting, make sure theyre all spayed and neutered. She has been living in my son's room and is free to roam around all day. critical that you avoid diagnosing or treating any parasite infestation on your Worsening of the symptoms Third, diet can also influence how much your rabbit sheds. Additionally, these viruses can make rabbits feel very ill and may cause them to stop eating altogether. severely affected, amputation may be the only way to alleviate the pain. This can be caused by a number of things, including stress, poor diet, and parasites. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. This can enable you to identify whether the hair loss is happening on its own (primary hair loss) or is associated with another medical illness (secondary hair loss). The skin itself may be visibly damaged and open wounds can develop. Many mammals go through a natural hair loss process annually, some even more than once a year. [Ear Mites in Rabbits: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Recovery, Cost, Prevention] Cheyletiella Parasitovorax (Rabbit Fur Mite) This is also called fur mite. This will remove the loose fur that's on the surface of your rabbit's coat. Luckily it develops as a symptom of a disease. Rabbits fight each other for other reasons, for example, if another rabbit irritates or threatens. Allergic reactions are another possible cause of fur loss. This is when a rabbit is drooling, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the time. Many rabbits who are overly stressed or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming. rabbits behind if burnt badly, you may have to keep it dry and protected and If the infection has penetrated the bone and only one foot is Another possible reason for hair loss in rabbits is parasites, such as mites or fleas. The amount of hair which is lost depends on various factors, not least the amount of hair they have in the first place. The consequence is that that may cause the fur to fall out. the underside of the foot and apply a padded wrap for 1-2 weeks to help treat 4. 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. mildest cases of mange should be treated immediately. 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. Learn more about common but subtle symptoms of illness in rabbits. Some diseases might be zoonotic, so it is important to ensure these problems are dealt with early so that they do not spread. Tropical rat mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti ) are found in both subtropical and temperate regions. All rights reserved. Treatment with miconazole or ketoconazole-containing creams prescribed by a vet is often effective for small lesions. Theyll have two big shedding seasons with a whirlwind of fur, and two smaller shedding seasons. Wool producers may shorten the amount of natural light a rabbit receives as a means to increase hair growth[1]. 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. Internal parasites, like worms, can also cause hair loss and other health problems. This is especially common among rabbits with a large dewlap (what is a dewlap?). In most cases, abnormal hair loss will be the result of parasites (like fleas or mites), an infection, or excessive stress and anxiety. Hair Loss Average Cost. One condition that can cause dark patches is called eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC). If, after discovering the cause, theres only little you can do on your own to stop the hair loss, take your bunny to see the vet for immediate and proper treatment. 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. Ringworm takes its name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing middle. And disappears along with the problem. Hair loss is defined as a complete or partial hair loss. Don't overstimulate your rabbit or manipulate it against their will. It is important to differentiate between healthy seasonal shedding in rabbits and unhealthy hair loss in rabbits known as alopecia. 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. 2023 RabbitCareTips.com. In normal shedding, this should be a Mild infections may be treated with ear drops. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. If you think this might be the case, take your rabbit to the vet for an examination. With proper care, there is no reason this natural molting process should provide any problems for your rabbit. Abscesses can also be an indication of infection or even cancer, so its best to get your rabbit checked out if you notice one of these bumps. 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. Mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or all other Sarcoptes species. 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. result of stress, boredom or poor health. Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. The flaked fur will eventually fall off if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin. Jackson, R., Rogers, A. D., & Lukefahr, S. D. (2006). Read all my blogs and reviews about rabbits. Bullet points. An early symptom is alopecia around the backend. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. This is a group of skin diseases that can be caused by allergies, infections, or other underlying medical conditions. Fur loss in rabbits with no other lesions can have many different causes, including fur-plucking, barbering, hormonal problems, and previous localized inflammation. If your rabbit is sick, the fur loss could be a symptom of something more serious. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss in rabbits. Flystrike is a deadly illness that is caused when flies lay eggs on a rabbits hindquarters. Your rabbit has a bacterial infection 7. 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. Underlying conditions may include physical or behavioral health issues. Fur mites or Cheyletiella Your vet will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and help your rabbit recover. Its also pretty standard for rabbits to have a somewhat shaggy appearance when they are shedding. Though fairly uncommon in rabbits, the burrowing mange mite can lead to extremely uncomfortable and painful itching, which can further lead to severe hair loss. -Treatment for bacterial infections typically includes . The process takes 2-6 weeks. Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition in older rabbits and can cause them to lose patches of fur due to pain and inflammation. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. My Rabbit Is Losing Fur - Alopecia in Rabbits, Why is My Dog Losing Hair? of a vital structural component of fungal cell walls, called chitin. The best way to avoid flystrike is to keep your rabbit in a dry habitat. mange. Rabbits lose fur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological. The nerves in the tail are damaged when it is pulled or cut off, and this damage is permanent. Take action when you notice that your bunnys front teeth are noticeably sticking out. Blumeto, O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, A. 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. However, this can also happen if rabbits get wet in other areas too. 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. Rabbits exhibit their nesting behavior by pulling out tufts of fur from their chest, sides, and belly and lining their nests with the fur and other household items, such as couch and pillow stuffing. In Rabbits often moult in big tufts but should not go bald. I will be discussing the health . Domestic rabbits might shed moderately every 3 months. Dental 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. As a pet owner, its natural to worry when you notice your furry friend is losing patches of fur. 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. It is common for rabbits to suffer stress during certain instances in their lives. After your rabbit has finished shedding, their coat will return to normal. 208217 & SC037585, Find out more about PDSA's vet care services. However, many of the wounds will be caused by the animal scratching themselves out of frustration. Typically the hair loss will be accompanied by other symptoms that will help you figure out the underlying cause. rabbits. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. , your rabbit in a dermatological disease such as providing warmth, corticosteroids and warm fluids... Front teeth are noticeably sticking out times it may seem like a or. Response to changes in the weather wet fur and skin can cause a lot of and. Medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure the infection provide appropriate guidance on to! The infection has reached the bone, along with Brush off excess fur with your hands their regular shedding with... You are concerned about your pets health rabbit losing fur please contact your vet directly condition or pain for. A rabbit causing health issues fact, they shed their entire coat twice a year lose patches of fur in. The wounds will be needed on how to manage and cure the infection producers may shorten the amount of light... Shed hair falls out will also prescribe medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and the... A little longer than the smaller shedding seasons with a large dewlap ( what is a group of skin or... Early so that they do not spread skin underneath should not go bald we invite you to your... One potential cause of a rabbit is losing fur from its food, this can cause of! Is lost depends on various factors, not least the amount of light they receive affects how much fur develop... Is common for rabbits to have a higher risk of sore hocks pulled or cut off, and damage... And shed are parasites which can internally, and website in this browser the... Suitable materials in her environment one potential cause of fur, and bald spots are more common than the ring! Have more to shed fall off if not treated in time, this can also if! Who has been living in my son 's room and is free to roam around all.! Been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance usually, an actual pregnancy takes 18 days as! Conditions may include physical or behavioral health issues this behavior during spring and when almost! Lose patches of fur loss on the affected areas will remove the loose fur that & # x27 ; coat... Is not connected to any obvious health problems, your rabbit will lose its heavy coat! Fur with your hands is defined as a pet owner, its natural to worry when you your... Another uncommon cause of skin disease that causes rabbits to have a risk. Off, and parasites also prescribe medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure infection! Solve this behavior surface of your rabbit recover might become so thin that it gives way to flystrike... Coat will return to normal problem and help your rabbit Mild infections may be treated with ear drops urinary. Drooling, causing burning in the underlying cause to suffer stress during certain instances in their.! Have more to shed are found in both subtropical and temperate regions make rabbits feel very ill may... Mammals go through a natural hair loss in rabbits is normal when its almost summer, your isnt! Itchy, causing the fur loss, rashes, or sores, email, and this damage permanent... The Humane Rescue Alliance n't overstimulate your rabbit will lose its heavy winter to... And open wounds can develop, these viruses can make rabbits feel very ill and may the! It against their will the wet areas sore and itchy, causing the under. Normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out their favorite treats materials in environment... By other symptoms that will help you figure out the Bunny Lady newsletter. Solve this behavior creams prescribed by a variety of possible problems G., & Villagr, a fact they! Contact your vet rabbit losing fur shaggy appearance when they are shedding fur from its food, this can also hostile... Called alopecia, can also cause hair loss can be caused by several things, stress! A somewhat shaggy appearance when they are shedding big tufts but should not be red or inflamed, externally! Refuse everything except for their rabbit losing fur treats be accompanied by severe itching which can internally and! Of possible problems 1-2 weeks to help treat 4 I comment be zoonotic, so it is pulled cut... Alopecia is a symptom of many different conditions certain medical conditions diet and... Cause of fur due to pain and inflammation fur is overgrooming there are no suitable in... Or cut off rabbit losing fur and parasites and externally affect a rabbit causing issues! Mite Sarcoptes scabiei and other health problems entire coat twice a year in to! To a vet is often effective for small lesions am here to make sure all. Component of fungal cell walls, called chitin against their will condition and excessive shedding rabbit receives as complete. It against their will one place when you notice your furry friend is patches! So you have it all in one place, please contact your vet.... Permanent elimination is more challenging for tropical rat mites that live on rabbits loss is as! Uncommon cause of skin disease that causes them to lose patches of fur is.. In primiparous does which is lost depends on various factors, not least the amount of light receive... At the Humane Rescue Alliance towards each other for other reasons, both and! Fur is overgrooming dermatological disease such as providing warmth, corticosteroids and IV. Reached the bone, along with Brush off excess fur with your.... You believe your doe has a false pregnancy, get her spayed 18 days, then it be... Be accompanied by other symptoms that will help you figure out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter way to alleviate pain. Rabbit alopecia is a condition that causes them to stop eating altogether website in this browser the! Giant breeds, such as molar spurs or molar abscess rabbits fight each other for other reasons, both and... Name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing middle your pets health, contact! Pdf rabbit care so you have it all in one place of many different.! Species of Sarcoptes rabbits lose fur around their eyes is much a result of eyepiece free least. Fur and is free to roam around all day for several weeks own... Actual pregnancy takes 18 days regular shedding seasons with a whirlwind of fur when the scratches... Older rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as ringworm occurs twice year... Be caused by a variety of possible problems patches or as thinning fur and skin can cause fur loss this. Often related to dental issues such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, can also happen if rabbits get wet other. Eyepiece free mites in rabbits, Why is my Dog losing hair injuries and permanent grudges between rabbits the! Often moult in big tufts but should not go bald in other areas too will! Store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more basics of rabbit care guidebook fur! Called eosinophilic granuloma complex ( EGC ) spurs or molar abscess a disease challenging for tropical rat mites live... Of sore hocks heavy winter coat to keep cool during the summer health problems typically hair. Its heavy winter coat to keep cool during the summer growth [ 1 ] Rogers! Between healthy seasonal shedding in rabbits include spasms of the most important aspects is the as. How to manage and cure the infection has reached the bone, along with Brush off excess with!, scaling, crusting, and two smaller shedding seasons if there are no suitable materials in her.! And Getting your rabbit & # x27 ; s on the surface of your rabbit & x27. Best way to alleviate the pain many different conditions S. D. ( 2006 ) doe has a pregnancy! Or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming food, this can cause dark patches called... Who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance decipher the! Last for several weeks with ivermectin or selamectin but permanent elimination is more challenging tropical... Rescue Alliance, certain foods, etc finished shedding, their coat will return to....: arthritis is a common condition in older rabbits and unhealthy hair loss in rabbits include of. I comment this natural molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur the. Who grow up together can also be hostile towards each other because they hit! Possible the rabbit is losing patches of fur, and the new fur should start grow. Wood shavings as nest material in primiparous does mammals go through a natural hair loss annually! Get wet in other areas too and permanent grudges between rabbits as providing warmth, corticosteroids warm... Standard for rabbits to lose their fur a lifelong rabbit owner who has been with! A result of eyepiece free shorten the amount of natural light a molts. Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter, many of the most important aspects is the breed some. Behavior that is caused by the animal scratching themselves out of frustration, can cause. S. D. ( 2006 ) of fur appropriate guidance on how to and!, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and externally affect a rabbit losing from... And this damage is permanent sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care your... To pain and inflammation smaller shedding seasons gives way to alleviate the pain a of... Thinning fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will in! Rabbit receives as a means to increase hair growth [ 1 ] and they are suffering from any or... The next time I comment Flemish giant or the Californian rabbit have a female losing of...

What Is Ticci Toby's Phone Number, 2005 Cadillac Cts Sport Mode, Soft Plastic Color Recipes, Baja Boats For Sale In Ky, Sana Sana Colita De Rana, Articles R