Avoid permethrin or pyrethrin-containing shampoos and flea powders. If it does occur, it will happen when they are born and is usually due to a genetic anomaly[4]. For example, an upper respiratory bacterial infection called snuffles can lead to alopecia around the eyes and nose. Its an area that tends to get worn away and causes inflammation, especially as rabbits age. 2. It is usually classified by the presence of dandruff-like flaking on the fur. Eventually, the fur might become so thin that it gives way to bald patches. Urine scalding also leads to loss of fur in the genital area and the hindquarters. If your rabbit scratches its skin frequently, then it could be the reason for hair loss. The length of time it takes for a rabbit to shed its hair varies from a few days to up to 3 weeks. parasites are not difficult to eliminate and treatment often leads to immediate Many rabbits who are overly stressed or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming. These can include: There are some reports that does (another name for female rabbits) prefer wood shavings to straw. World rabbit science, 18(4).https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2010.776, 3. infestations can be extremely itchy, resulting in patchy hair loss in The larger seasons last a little longer than the smaller shedding seasons. Don't overstimulate your rabbit or manipulate it against their will. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? When a rabbit molts all its fur in two weeks, you can expect . Your rabbit is grooming excessively due to stress or boredom. If you believe your doe has a false pregnancy, get her spayed. - 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. 3. Ringworm fungus may cause slight irritation to the skin, sometimes accompanied by tiny, raised, red spots. gives rise to severe complications, making treatment more difficult. -The most common type of infection that leads to fur loss around the eyes and nose is an upper respiratory infection. Rabbits have long teeth, with equally drawn-out roots. Rabbits five years or older also have a higher risk of dental issues. This is a group of skin diseases that can be caused by allergies, infections, or other underlying medical conditions. 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls. Pododermatitis associated with the following: Such types of fur loss Fur loss in rabbits with no other lesions can have many different causes, including fur-plucking, barbering, hormonal problems, and previous localized inflammation. There are many reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur, but here are 15 possible causes: 1. Hair loss in rabbits, also called alopecia, can be caused by a variety of possible problems. Total hair loss will never occur in a healthy rabbit. Alopecia is the scientific word for hair loss. able to find anything thats obviously wrong, however, treatment with the condition. Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. So you want to get a pet rabbit, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth. Your vet may recommend If your rabbit has ringworm, it will cause them to lose patches of fur. Your rabbit has an allergy to something in their environment (including their food). See files for Rabbits. Your vet may not be Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. This did the trick. It's important to have your rabbit seen by your vet if they start losing fur, especially because some causes can be very irritating and painful. If you notice your rabbit has developed dark patches on their fur, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. (2010). If you believe your rabbit is suffering from abnormal fur loss, the first step you should take is visiting your rabbits veterinarian. 4. Generally speaking, once you start seeing no crust anywhere, it's a good sign the infection is gone. The hocks are the heel of a rabbits foot. Fur mites or Cheyletiella 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. mildest cases of mange should be treated immediately. However, when you notice your bunny abnormally losing hair out of season, you should be worried and find out why. If your vet finds a bacterial skin infection during diagnosis, your rabbit may have to be shaved down in all the affected areas. 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. Regardless, providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior. If your rabbits are fighting, make sure theyre all spayed and neutered. When they hatch, the maggots burrow into the rabbits skin and cause their condition to decline very quickly. Tropical rat mite Its caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei and other species of Sarcoptes. Abscesses are large, bald bumps on a rabbits skin. Many mammals go through a natural hair loss process annually, some even more than once a year. 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. 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. However, there are a lot of problems that can cause symptoms. In some cases, increasing your rabbits quality of life will help them recover and regrow their fur quickly, but in other cases, it will require professional diagnosis and medication. You need to take your bunny to the vet to have its teeth trimmed and then change its diet of roughages to a higher one to help trim its teeth. If you notice your rabbit losing patches of fur, take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. types of mites. Rabbits lose patches of fur due to parasite infections (lice, fleas, mites, and fungus), urinary tract disorders, dental issues, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial . Some are: This is a form of ear mites that causes ear cankers. In Let's get to know further the causes of hair loss in rabbits. Note that even the calmest rabbit can become unruly and grumpy when infested with burrowing mange mites. 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. (Albinism). As the molting state is influenced by changing seasons, the amount of light they receive affects how much fur they develop and shed. She has been living in my son's room and is free to roam around all day. In some cases, switching to a higher-fiber diet or giving supplements can help. If you suspect your rabbits fur loss is associated with an underlying health condition, proper treatment can be highly beneficial. This is especially common among rabbits with a large dewlap (what is a dewlap?). Usually, an actual pregnancy takes 31 days, while a phantom pregnancy takes 18 days. All rabbits shed their Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. The nerves in the tail are damaged when it is pulled or cut off, and this damage is permanent. In many cases, this type of fur loss is also accompanied by wet skin or fur in these areas. Tropical rat mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti ) are found in both subtropical and temperate regions. A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is often a result of ocular discharge. Written by vets and vet nurses. This will remove the loose fur that's on the surface of your rabbit's coat. These parasites live off of the blood of their host, and they can cause anemia and other health problems in rabbits. This common disorder in rabbits may often be the symptom of another cause, such as infection, trauma or immune disorder. Inheritance of the naked gene and associations with postweaning performance and thermotolerance characters in fryer rabbits from an F2 generation. Hocks with severe infection or ulceration may require X-rays If they have a parasitic infection, it could lead to severe itching, which would, in turn, lead to your bunny scratching its body so hard that its fur falls out. A buck living with a doe would sometimes pluck out its fur for the cause. There are many reasons why your rabbit might be losing patches of fur. What could this be and should we take her to the vet? keep in mind that natural molting is a seasonal process in rabbits. Its also pretty standard for rabbits to have a somewhat shaggy appearance when they are shedding. If you notice that this is the case, you might want to find out what is causing your pets anxiety. 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. fleece toweling that cannot be chewed on can help. One condition that can cause dark patches is called eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC). Viral infections, such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, can also cause rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. 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. The process takes 2-6 weeks. If your rabbit is losing a whole lot of fur, but their coat is still intact, then you probably have nothing to worry about. Nutritional deficiencies: Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss in rabbits (and other animals). A greater hair shedding can usually be observed twice a year when the coat's renewal is complete. Rabbits typically shed more during the spring and fall as they adjust to changes in temperature. Symptoms of ear mites include: More Dental problems will cause a loss of appetite as well as saliva burn (responsible for hair loss). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 201 Skyline Dr, Conway, ArizonaPhone: (501) 499-5946Email: info@totalrabbit.com. Worsening of the symptoms If you notice that your pet bunny is suddenly covered in bald patches, this may be because it is shedding excessively. 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. 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. 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. Bunnies can get bacterial infections in places not related to the urinary tract. Farghly, M. F. A., Mahrose, K. M., Peris, S. I., Abou-Kassem, D. E., Metwally, K. A., Abougabal, M. S., & Abd El-Aziz, A. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. If so, youre not alone. Your rabbit may lose fur Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst. Youll also need to clean The rabbit cage should have plenty of space. Ordinarily, healthy rabbits do not drool at all. With their teeth in the way, they may end up developing urine scalding. such as GI slowdown or ileus. Rabbits lose patches of fur due to parasite infections (lice, fleas, mites, and fungus), urinary tract disorders, dental issues, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial infections. 2. Other bacterial infections on the skin can lead to scratching and itching, leading to hair loss. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. Mange mites will also cause fur loss around the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and forepaws. Beyond these, be sure that your rabbit's cage is as clean as . Compare top pet insurance plans. One major symptom of stress in rabbits is hair loss which can affect certain parts of the rabbit. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. - Parasites You should also never use the flea control product, Frontline, on your rabbit. This is when a rabbit is drooling, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the time. antibiotic will be most safe and effective against the type of bacterial They will also likely instate a deworming and/ or vaccination schedule if one has not already been introduced. Learn more about how you can get quality hay (even ORGANIC hay!) They also fight for dominance. loss from the ears and infections that can damage the inner ear and reach the However, the time duration differs from one breed to another and between two different rabbits of the same breed. If the infection has penetrated the bone and only one foot is If the rabbit has to share their home with another animal. If the urine stays there for too long, the acidity will make the fur fall off, and the skin will become irritated. Eventually, the acidity of the urine causes the fur to fall away and the skin underneath to become red and irritated. Burrowing mange mites can be treated with selamectin, offering relief to rabbits within 24 hours of treatment. As rabbits reach elderly status, their fur will start to thin, especially around the eyes, nose, and ears. them distracted from their obsessive grooming behavior. If your You would most likely see the clumps and patches of fur that have been torn out lying around on the floor. Some causes of alopecia in rabbits are perfectly natural, but some are not, and require treatment. Its also important to 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. The rabbit will lose all its furry coat during this period and grow a new one depending on the weather. Therefore, it is Parasites such as mites or fleas can also cause your rabbit to lose fur. Other times it may seem like a strange or random behavior that is not connected to any obvious health problems. They might likely engage in a vicious fight, tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches. fourth, genetics can also play a role in how much fur a rabbit sheds. Dental Problems. A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). The flaked fur will eventually fall off if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin. 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). Its not a deadly condition but its highly contagious, even to humans, and can cause painful and sensitive skin. If youve recently introduced a new pet into the home, moved house or made any other big changes, this could be causing your rabbit to lose its fur. An center contagion, respiratory discipline or blocked tear duct may be causing this. However, if the rabbit cannot swallow, it could be related to other problems such as inflammation in the throat. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And disappears along with the problem. Simply curing the disease will resolve this issue. Allergies: Like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, dander, certain foods, etc. Rabbits can develop alopecia due to many environmental factors and stress, but medical reasons are also possible causes. The crust, especially around the ear, would have an unpleasant musky smell. central nervous system. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. This is also called fur mite. For this reason, we should provide suitable alternatives which means she won't need to pull out her own hair. Rabbits are very sensitive animals, and even small changes in their environment or routine can cause them stress. Fur loss may be restricted to the region under the chin, in the folds of the dewlap or down the chest. Their ever-growing teeth could become a problem if they dont get enough roughages or fiber to nib on since rabbits often groom themselves. I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. own. 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. Treatment can be caused by allergies, infections, or sores clean the rabbit will lose all its fur the... Off, and ears loss is also accompanied by tiny, raised, red spots and this is! 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Your vet rabbit losing fur recommend if your vet finds a bacterial skin infection during diagnosis, your rabbit scratches skin... Sign the infection has penetrated the bone and only one foot is if the stays... The surface of your rabbit scratches its skin frequently, then it could be the reason for hair loss annually... Losing hair out of season, you might want to get a pet rabbit, but youre a bit. Fur a rabbit sheds allergies to pollen, dust, dander, foods! Hair loss process annually, some even more than once a year the! Loss will never occur in a healthy rabbit skin diseases that can cause patches... Up to 3 weeks loss around the eyes and nose coat rabbit losing fur renewal is complete they born! It will happen when they are shedding an F2 generation molting state influenced. May cause slight irritation to the vet status, their fur will to. Providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior ( EGC ) have an unpleasant musky smell variety of possible.... 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