Please help, my rabbit has a bald spot here. Is something wrong? What (2024)

FAQs

Please help, my rabbit has a bald spot here. Is something wrong? What? ›

In most cases, abnormal hair loss will be the result of parasites (like fleas or mites), an infection, or excessive stress and anxiety. If you notice these symptoms when your rabbit is losing excessive fur or has bald patches, it's best to see a rabbit veterinarian for more guidance: If it's combined with weight loss.

Skin parasites such as mites, lice and fleas can all cause itchy, uncomfortable skin in rabbits. In most cases, treatment is simple, but left untreated, a parasite infestation can lead to serious skin problems. The first symptoms of a parasite problem tend to include itchy skin, dandruff and alopecia (fur loss).

Alopecia. 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.

To help reduce the incidence of alopecia, ensure your rabbit is happy and healthy. The rabbit's environment should be safe, secure and non-stressful. Ensure the housing offers shelter as well as space where the rabbit can exercise and exhibit normal behaviour.

In Sarcoptic mange, lesions are commonly seen in ears, nose, feet and perineal area (Kachhawa et al. 2013). Davies et al. (1991) reported that the clinical signs of Sarcoptic mange includes pruritis, seborrhea, alopecia, hypersensitivity reaction, crusting and hyperkeratosis.

Most rabbits will require bathing; the area then needs to be dried well to avoid retaining excess moisture. If the infection is serious, the surrounding area may require shaving. Your veterinarian may prescribe topical antibiotics to apply on the affected area.

Apply dusts and liquid topical treatments near the shoulder blades, back of neck, and on the rump. Prior to any application, read and follow all directions making sure the product is safe for rabbits, cavies, or other small animals. In unresponsive cases, injections of ivermectin are often used.

Cheyletiella parasitovorax is the most common rabbit fur mite. These mites are visible to the naked eye and can be seen moving around. This is how they've got the nickname of 'walking dandruff'. They're a zoonotic mite which means they can be passed on to humans.

A fungal condition that is transmitted easily through contact with an infected rabbit's coat or living quarters. It usually causes multiple hairless areas with slightly reddened skin around the head, ears, and forelimbs. These hairless areas are often covered with a slight or sometimes heavy crust.

What flea medicine is best for rabbits? ›

The safest flea treatments for rabbits are Advantage (original formula, NOT Advantix) and Revolution. Advantage can be used monthly and is available over-the-counter.

Rabbits of all ages can be affected by alopecia and it is a common problem seen in many different breeds. Shedding in rabbits can be normal during certain times of year and especially in breeds such as Angora, Dwarf and Miniature Lop, it is when it is notifiable and significant that it could be attributed to alopecia.

Mix 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of pure-castile liquid soap, and five cups of water. Pour into a spray bottle and shake to combine the ingredients. Spray plants rabbits usually nibble on.

Rabbits that are housed outdoors, captured from wild populations or that are purchased from a pet store may carry zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases associated with rabbits include pasteurellosis, ringworm, mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and external parasites.

Normal Shedding: Proper Care

If all things are normal, the shed areas will regrow fur as the old coat falls out.

However, administration of 3 doses of Ivermectin @ 200-400 µg / kg body weight at an interval of 2 weeks, which is usually curative in rabbits affected with mange.

Rabbits carry some mites in their fur all the time, but sometimes the numbers will get out of control and then owners need to treat the infection, otherwise their rabbit will become very weak. If your rabbit gets a mite infestation keep an eye on its general health.

Dacrocystitis (an inflamed tear duct) - causes weepy, red eyes and often alopecia (fur loss) around the eye. A respiratory infection ('snuffles') - causes red, inflamed, weepy eyes, a snotty nose and noisy breathing. An allergy - often causes itchy eyes.