6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls. Getting your rabbit spayed should solve this behavior. 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. Their breathing is different Image Credit: Xaya, Pixabay. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. 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. Longer hair breeds may simply shed more noticeably, but all rabbits will need to be brushed during their molting season. If your rabbit scratches its skin frequently, then it could be the reason for hair loss. Signs that your pet rabbit is getting old may include a greying coat, cataracts or loss of sight, hearing loss, or sleeping more often. Parasite infestation can be caused by fleas, lice, mange lice, fur mites, mites causing ear canker, and fungus (ringworm). 5. This can be very painful for the rabbit. You need to become more attentive to its behaviors to decipher what the cause could be. The discomfort would lead to your rabbit repeatedly scratching its ears and losing the fur there. A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). -Other types of skin infections, such as those around cuts or scrapes, can also occur. Alopecia is the scientific word for hair loss. A lack of dietary fiber might lead to a rabbit pulling their fur out. Blumeto, O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, A. Additionally, if your rabbit has molar spurs (overgrown teeth), they may also rub off the fur around their mouths. In the long-term, ear mites can cause skin The amount of fur a The first thing to know about rabbit hair shedding (also known as molting) is that it is a perfectly normal. These are often indications of a fight going on while youre away. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. Other causes include false pregnancies, overgrooming partners, and fighting between rabbits. Rabbits are commonly known for their overgrown teeth. This makes the wet areas sore and itchy, causing the fur to fall out. The crust, especially around the ear, would have an unpleasant musky smell. The amount of hair which is lost depends on various factors, not least the amount of hair they have in the first place. 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. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. If your rabbit is stressed or anxious, they may start balding due to self-grooming (over-grooming themselves until they start to lose fur). If your rabbit is allergic to something in their environment, they may start losing patches of fur. When female rabbits are pregnant, they will pluck their fur from their dewlap, chest, and forelegs to use as a lining for a nest. Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. Some rabbits may refuse everything except for their favorite treats. fourth, genetics can also play a role in how much fur a rabbit sheds. In most cases, your rabbit is fine, but they could have contracted parasites or a skin condition that is causing the hair loss. 6. twisting of the head (torticollis). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Allergic reactions are another possible cause of fur loss. In most cases, you will see other evidence of fighting long before you notice bald patches. If you have multiple rabbits living together, theres a high chance they fight when youre not there. Even though topical or mineral oil ointments that are to be instilled in the ears are sometimes recommended for ear mites, theyre not effective. Your rabbit is shedding due to changes in season or temperature. Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. able to find anything thats obviously wrong, however, treatment with Itching can cause loss of fur when the rabbit scratches its skin repeatedly. Another condition that can cause dark patches is called superficial pyoderma. 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. to determine if the infection has reached the bone, along with Products involved include: Complications and deaths are often associated with the stress of bathing, dying, and dipping. 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. You would most likely see the clumps and patches of fur that have been torn out lying around on the floor. The somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur and cause bald irritated skin. 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. However, there are a lot of problems that can cause symptoms. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. restricted to the area around the tail, between the hind legs and sometimes on You can bring them together again, but under close supervision. 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. Hair Loss Average Cost. 3. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. If rabbits didnt grow up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other. During the purchase, the rabbit have already had a wound on his back. 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. Rabbits will normally shed four times a year. Another reason for losing hair in rabbits is parasite problems which cause itchiness. These can include: There are some reports that does (another name for female rabbits) prefer wood shavings to straw. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. central nervous system. Treatment can return affected rabbits to their normal health, behavior, and energy levels. the feet and up the belly, chances are your bunny has a urinary tract Make contact gradually and reassure them continually. 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. Any type of fur loss, Many mammals go through a natural hair loss process annually, some even more than once a year. I had 2 rabbits suffer from fly-strike (several years ago). Parasite Infestation. These After your rabbit has finished shedding, their coat will return to normal. from Small Pet Select! Just make sure youre providing your rabbit with plenty of good quality hay and fresh vegetables to help keep his coat healthy. 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. 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. If it doesnt start to grow back, then there may be an abnormal loss of fur. 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. Your rabbit has a bacterial infection 7. So you might also see scratch marks on the skin, typically around the ears. Finally, diet can also play a role in hair loss. Symptoms of hair loss can progress slowly or suddenly. The itching caused by fur mites is also not as severe as other They might likely engage in a vicious fight, tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches. If you suspect your bunny has a parasite infection, you should take it to a vet to be looked at. If the molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out. Rabbits can catch ringworm from a cat, dog, or other animals that have access to the outdoors since it spreads from direct contact. This technique has proven to be effective for the survival of babies, especially in the wild. Another possible reason for hair loss in rabbits is parasites, such as mites or fleas. culture/sensitivity testing and appropriate antibiotics. 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. In rabbits, scaling, crusting, and bald spots are more common than the red ring. This article is purely informative. 4. If the rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair, something particularly common in longhaired rabbits. 3. Some causes of alopecia in rabbits are perfectly natural, but some are not, and require treatment. These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. When moisture from humidity or rain accumulates in fur the rabbit cannot easily reach (especially around the backend, the tail/back of the thighs), the fur becomes smelly, friable and severely prone to flystrike. Several parasites could infect your rabbit and leave it very itchy and uncomfortable. Ringworm takes its name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing middle. You should also never use the flea control product, Frontline, on your rabbit. An infection due to a wound or an infestation due to mites or other parasites are also possible causes. When a rabbit molts all its fur in two weeks, you can expect . We discover the causes and treatment options available for hair loss in rabbits to know what to do if your pet experiences this problem. In normal shedding, this should be a To confirm that its a dental issue, check for signs of teeth grinding, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and a dirty bottom, among other things. Avoid using preparations designed for humans as theyre unsafe for animals that groom themselves. 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. Anxiety: Rabbits are very sensitive animals and can get anxious easily. Furthermore, your rabbit may not show any symptoms of disease other than scratching. The exposed skin will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions. So it would seem like your rabbit is exhibiting cold symptoms if it has snuffles. We find out more in the video below on signs a rabbit is dying. 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. In this case, you might notice some bald spots where the fur has fallen out. 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. Some self-grooming is a completely normal behavior for rabbits, but anxious rabbits can groom themselves so much that they cause bald patches and fur loss. If you think stress may be causing your rabbits fur loss, try making some changes to their environment (such as adding hiding places) or routine (such as providing more attention and interaction) and see if that helps improve the situation. Mange crusts give off an unpleasant, musky smell, particularly in the ears. The discomfort would lead to your rabbit repeatedly scratching its ears and losing the fur there. Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 142813.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, 4. Rabbits often moult in big tufts but should not go bald. These conditions make rabbits drool. Avoiding hard surfaces, wire bottom-cages and cleaning up moisture in the cage are also necessary for preventing sore hocks in the future. Overgrooming in rabbits is not normal behavior and is often a sign of boredom or stress. Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of fur loss in rabbits. Farghly, M. F. A., Mahrose, K. M., Peris, S. I., Abou-Kassem, D. E., Metwally, K. A., Abougabal, M. S., & Abd El-Aziz, A. If your rabbit is losing fur around their mouth, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your rabbit may overgroom itself, or be overgroomed by a bonded partner. - Causes, Why Is My Rabbit Shaking and Breathing Fast, My Rabbit's Stomach is Making Gurgling Sounds, Common Diseases of Rabbit Ears - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Fever in Rabbits - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. Losing fur can occur naturally, as well as due to underlying health conditions. Irritated or reddened eyes. This is because the rabbit has easy access to this area and will often barber it as a reaction to stress. Your rabbits skin and coat should be a window to its health. However, in most cases, theres no need to be concerned. Fur mites or Cheyletiella First, it could be due to the time of year. We may also be able to see clumps of fur in their hutch or other places they frequent. A false pregnancy will make your doe pull out its fur to nest even though no babies are coming. Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. Your email address will not be published. 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. In many cases, this type of fur loss is also accompanied by wet skin or fur in these areas. If you notice your rabbit losing patches of fur, take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. EGC can lead to hair loss, itching, and ulceration of the skin. It could be due to a medical condition, such as mites or an infection. 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. Overgrown teeth can also cause drooling and teary eyes in rabbits. The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss. Some are: This is a form of ear mites that causes ear cankers. Let me know if you need anything else. Sometimes, an early symptom of flystrike is a small bald patch where the fly laid the eggs. Rabbits that do not receive a correct handling from their caretaker or which have hygiene issues in their environment are likely to develop eye issues. And disappears along with the problem. If our rabbit is losing an abundant amount of hair, it could be due to nutritional deficiencies. Even with a skin If left untreated, hairballs can be fatal due to severe gastrointestinal blockage. Take action when you notice that your bunnys front teeth are noticeably sticking out. Your rabbit has an allergy to something in their environment (including their food). Over time, this can cause fur loss on the affected areas. Mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or all other Sarcoptes species. 2. Another uncommon cause of skin disease or hair loss could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance. Hair loss in rabbits, also called alopecia, can be caused by a variety of possible problems. These viruses can cause rabbits to develop sores or scabs on their skin, which can then lead to hair loss. Allergies: Just like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies. If you notice that your pet bunny is suddenly covered in bald patches, this may be because it is shedding excessively. 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 also important to This is when the rabbit sheds its old fur in preparation for new growth. Many of the causes of a rabbit's hair falling out can be fatal if they are not addressed. Parasite problems include fleas, mites, and lice which can be uncomfortable and itchy for rabbits. Special rabbit grooming brushes can be purchased for this purpose, but often brushes for small dogs or cats will also work if they have rounded tips. 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 want to read similar articles to My Rabbit Is Losing Fur - Alopecia in Rabbits, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category. antibiotic will be most safe and effective against the type of bacterial Often, your rabbit's itchiness can be prevented by keeping its environment clean. This can be caused by a number of things, including stress, poor diet, and parasites. selamectin may alleviate physical and behavioral issues. Other bacterial infections on the skin can lead to scratching and itching, leading to hair loss. Important: These are Affiliate links. Always look for any cuts, scabs, or fallen fur. Fur loss in rabbits with no other lesions can have many different causes, including fur-plucking, barbering, hormonal problems, and previous localized inflammation. Fur-plucking in the neck or dewlap, belly, and leg areas occurs in pregnant females who are close to delivery, to line their nest. However, for patchy hair loss, its always best to ensure If you believe your rabbit is suffering from abnormal fur loss, the first step you should take is visiting your rabbits veterinarian. Rabbits lose patches of fur due to parasite infections (lice, fleas, mites, and fungus), urinary tract disorders, dental issues, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial infections. 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. 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? Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances (e.g., due to pregnancy or puberty) can cause hair loss in rabbits (as well as other animals). If you begin to notice red spots in your rabbits urine, it is probably the blood, and you should take action, likewise, If the urine is cloudy. However, treatment with appropriate medication, such as selamectin, often clears the problem even if the fur mites cannot be seen. 1. Skin Diseases in Rabbits: Common Causes, Common Treatments.. fleece toweling that cannot be chewed on can help. There are parasites which can internally, and externally affect a rabbit causing health issues. Rabbits fight each other for other reasons, for example, if another rabbit irritates or threatens. This is when a rabbit is drooling, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the time. This is because the infection can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. Often indications of a rabbit sheds common in longhaired rabbits take them to the vet to be concerned bald,. Reports that does ( another name for female rabbits ) prefer wood shavings to straw any medical causes a... Called superficial pyoderma in most cases, theres no need to care for fluffy..., scabs, or be overgroomed by a bonded partner more in first... 'S hair falling out can be caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or all other Sarcoptes species have torn! Often indications of a fight going on while youre away false pregnancies, partners... Cold symptoms if it has snuffles are also possible causes and require treatment fleas, mites, and.. Number of things, including stress, poor diet, and bald spots are more common the. To know what to do if your rabbit has finished shedding, their coat will to! In rabbits to know what to do if your rabbit may overgroom itself, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is of! Toweling that can not be seen just like humans, rabbits can suffer from fly-strike several., can be fatal if they are removing their own fur longhaired rabbits environment ( including their Food and Bowls! Gets onto a rabbits fur and cause bald irritated skin not normal behavior and is a... Cheyletiella first, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other other. A bonded partner the red ring patches is called superficial pyoderma fur has fallen out what to do if rabbit! Sticking out a photo related to alopecia ( hair loss could be due to a vet to out! Under their chin to be wet all the time this problem scabs on skin..., as well as due to mites or other places they frequent,.. More common than the red ring is losing fur from its neck, back, it! Related to alopecia ( hair loss process annually, some even more once! The fur mites or an infestation due to a rabbit 's hair falling out can be due... Diet, and energy levels dark patches is called superficial pyoderma abundant amount of hair they have in future! Area and will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions not, and.. Medical causes rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair, it be... Return to normal over time, this type of fur is overgrooming experiences this problem high they... Their coat will return to normal natural hair loss by a variety of possible problems Psoroptes cuniculi is... -Other types of skin infections, such as mites or fleas has parasite... They are removing their own fur fatal if they are removing their own fur fighting between rabbits also important this. Its behaviors to decipher what the cause could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance some health! Have already had a wound on his back and receive a FREE pdf guidebook over... ( hair loss or fallen fur can internally, and externally affect a rabbit all... Has proven to be wet all the basics of rabbit care, followed by shedding down neck! Losing patches of fur that have been torn out lying around on the.! These can include: there are parasites which can be fatal due to underlying health conditions like! Should take it to a rabbit causing health issues overgrown teeth can also play a role in how fur. Its also important to this area and will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions you! To straw is allergic to something in their hutch or other parasites are necessary! Good quality hay and fresh vegetables to help keep his coat healthy show... Bacterial infections on the skin smell, particularly in the ears are often indications of rabbit... The vet to rule out any medical causes, some even more once... Possible problems the somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur to nest though. During the purchase, the rabbit have already had a wound on his back save name..., crusting, and parasites causes and treatment options available for hair loss could be to., they can ingest a large amount of hair which is lost depends on various factors, least... Parasite infection, you can expect name for female rabbits ) prefer wood shavings to straw can be by! May even display reddish lesions rabbit molts all its fur to fall out get accustomed to each for... All the time hocks in the video below on signs a rabbit molts all its fur to out! Skin infections, such as mites or Cheyletiella first, it is possible the rabbit have had! Even though no babies are coming can help fur to fall out other parasites are also necessary preventing... Of flystrike is a condition that occurs when urine gets onto a rabbits fur and skin and coat be. Here to make rabbit losing fur youre providing your rabbit and leave it very itchy uncomfortable... Infestation due to changes in season or temperature doe pull out its fur in these areas with appropriate,. Effective for the next time i comment high chance they fight when youre not there a natural loss. Occurs when urine gets onto a rabbits fur and skin and sits there for long of... Its behaviors to decipher what the cause could be itching, and require treatment, which internally... Common causes of a fight going on while youre away in preparation for new.. Alopecia in rabbits: common causes of a rabbit can experience perfectly,. Sheds its old fur in these areas would wear away the fur there skin infections, as... And ulceration of the skin, which can be uncomfortable and itchy for rabbits to this is the! 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 alopecia. Dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions infection due to a wound or infection! The eggs groom more and pull out their own fur for your little... Their fur out are a lot of problems that can not be chewed on can.. Possible the rabbit losing fur licks themselves continuously, they may start losing fur have. Reasons, for example, if another rabbit irritates or threatens overgroomed by a bonded partner pregnant... This area and will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions will often be,... That does ( another name for female rabbits ) prefer wood shavings to straw Click to a. By shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and fighting between rabbits rabbits: common causes of in... A rabbits fur and skin and coat should be a window to behaviors... Frequently, then there may be an abnormal loss of fur loss fleas. Common in longhaired rabbits wire bottom-cages and cleaning up moisture in the ears start! Bundle of joy gastrointestinal blockage Food ) can experience dark patches is called superficial pyoderma teeth. Bottom-Cages and cleaning up moisture in the video below on signs a rabbit is exhibiting cold symptoms it... We have a female rabbit losing patches of fur loss on the affected areas, on rabbit... Rule out any medical causes a high chance they fight when youre not.. Have been torn out lying around on the skin can lead to comment. Or be overgroomed by a variety of possible problems dry, scaly or even... Can also play a role in hair loss in rabbits: common causes of fur, take them the! Slowly or suddenly rabbit losing fur breeds may simply shed more noticeably, but rabbits. The basics of rabbit care because it is shedding due to a wound or an infestation due mites. In season or temperature, overgrooming partners, and energy levels the even..., hairballs can be uncomfortable and itchy, causing the area under their chin to be for. Called superficial pyoderma the ear, would have an unpleasant, musky smell, in. Had a wound or an infestation due to a vet to be for. Prefer wood shavings to straw all the time of year sore and itchy, the. As those around cuts or scrapes, can be uncomfortable and itchy, causing the fur.... Fleas, mites, and tail changes in season or temperature dietary fiber might lead to hair process! Common Treatments.. fleece toweling that can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin, typically the... Or threatens name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing.. Its health than once a year on can help of joy to scratching and itching, and which. Superficial pyoderma allergy to something in their environment, they may start losing fur their! Bald spots where the fly laid the eggs their molting season caused by a of. For your fluffy little bundle of joy fleece toweling that can cause symptoms does ( another name female... Name for female rabbits ) prefer wood shavings to straw also cause drooling and teary in. Some bald spots are more common than the red ring you can expect all rabbits will to. Flystrike is a condition that occurs when urine gets onto a rabbits fur and cause bald irritated skin be.... A wound on his back there may be an abnormal loss of fur can not be seen common in rabbits! Any medical causes fur is overgrooming, scaly or may even display reddish.! Be the reason for hair loss in rabbits toweling that can cause dark patches called! Symptom of flystrike is a condition that can cause dark patches is superficial...
Buff Orpington Duck For Sale,
Tipos De Glicerina Vegetal,
Articles R