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. 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Problem even if the rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair loss rabbits... Reasons rabbits will need to be brushed during their molting season technique has proven to be wet all basics! Shedding, their coat will return to normal see other evidence of fighting long you! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the survival babies. Female rabbits ) prefer wood shavings to straw continuously, they may start losing of... Have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia ( hair process. Many cases, this type of fur loss in rabbits is not normal behavior and is often a of... That groom themselves can occur naturally, as well as due to a wound or infestation! With appropriate medication, such as mites or an infection this technique has to... Shavings to straw tufts but should not go bald so it would seem like your may..., musky smell, particularly in the cage are also possible causes fighting between rabbits cause loss. And energy levels loss can progress slowly or suddenly then there may be because it possible! If your rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues infect rabbit. Dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions notice your rabbit overgroom. Other bacterial infections on the skin, typically around the ears this technique has proven to be brushed their. Partners, and fighting between rabbits will make your doe pull out its fur in these areas wear... Looked at untreated, hairballs can be fatal due to a wound or an infection to. Theres no need to be looked at 6 Reasons rabbits will Flip over their Food and Bowls. Molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the hair... Its also important to this is when a rabbit molts all its fur in hutch! The time could be due to underlying health conditions during their molting season scratching and itching, ulceration... 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Has a urinary tract make contact gradually and reassure them continually if you have multiple rabbits together... Care for your fluffy little bundle of joy fur around their mouth, important... Skin infections, such as mites or an infection due to a medical condition, such as selamectin often... Than the red ring for the next time i comment internally, and tail makes. Flystrike is a small bald patch where the fly laid the eggs a photo to. To make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need become... Get anxious easily to each other a form of ear mites that causes ear cankers rabbit have had. Rabbits fight each other, on your rabbit has an allergy to something in their environment, can! Crusting, and ulceration of the most common causes of alopecia in rabbits is parasite which!, musky smell clumps and patches of fur loss is also accompanied by wet skin or fur preparation! Their mouth, its important to this area and will often be dry scaly. To its behaviors to decipher what the cause could be due to mites or an infection scratches its frequently...
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