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. Many rabbits who are overly stressed or anxious will end up comforting themselves by self-grooming. hard, wet or rough surfaces. This is a group of skin diseases that can be caused by allergies, infections, or other underlying medical conditions. of a vital structural component of fungal cell walls, called chitin. The same goes for fleas. Blocked tear ducts are often a result of dental issues. Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of fur loss in rabbits. Does experience a phenomenon called false pregnancy, in which the hormones and ovary of your female bunny trick it into believing that it is pregnant. -Other types of skin infections, such as those around cuts or scrapes, can also occur. 1. If you believe your doe has a false pregnancy, get her spayed. Hocks with severe infection or ulceration may require X-rays -Treatment for bacterial infections typically includes . For example, a lack of vitamin A can lead to dry/brittle fur and hair loss. [Ear Mites in Rabbits: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Recovery, Cost, Prevention] Cheyletiella Parasitovorax (Rabbit Fur Mite) This is also called fur mite. Abnormal hair or fur loss (also called alopecia), looks a little different than seasonal shedding. This is because the infection can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. positive results. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances (e.g., due to pregnancy or puberty) can cause hair loss in rabbits (as well as other animals). Fur loss can also be It is important to know that alopecia is a symptom and not a disease. If our rabbit is losing an abundant amount of hair, it could be due to nutritional deficiencies. Would you like to know about me? Parasite infestation can be caused by fleas, lice, mange lice, fur mites, mites causing ear canker, and fungus (ringworm). Internal parasites, like worms, can also cause hair loss and other health problems. For example, an upper respiratory bacterial infection called snuffles can lead to alopecia around the eyes and nose. Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. Your rabbit has a bacterial infection 7. Even with a skin A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst. One condition that can cause dark patches is called eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC). Poor Diet: A diet lacking in nutrients can lead to poor coat condition and hair loss. If rabbits didnt grow up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other. Normal molting in rabbits follows a distinctive pattern. Rabbits typically shed more during the spring and fall as they adjust to changes in temperature. While losing some fur is natural and to be expected, its important to be aware that it can be a sign of dominance or an underlying medical issue. Chilling, liver problems, and overheating should also be taken into consideration. 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. She has many toys that we try to switch out every couple of months. critical that you avoid diagnosing or treating any parasite infestation on your These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. They typically cause intense itching and scratching, which can lead to hair loss. 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. 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, 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. Learn more about one of the most stressful things to do with our article on why you should never trance a rabbit. Sometimes, an early symptom of flystrike is a small bald patch where the fly laid the eggs. The molting or shedding season can last between two and six weeks. These Ringworm takes its name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing middle. They might likely engage in a vicious fight, tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches. As a result, malnourishment can also lead to hair loss in rabbits. It is relatively rare to find a completely hairless rabbit. The treatment for ear canker in rabbits is 3 treatments of ivermectin injections once every 10-14 days, or one moxidectin injection every 10 days for two treatments. your rabbits fur may begin to fall off leaving bald patches. This is when a rabbit is drooling, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the time. Another condition that can cause dark patches is called superficial pyoderma. 2. Yes, it is normal for a rabbit to lose patches of fur. These conditions make rabbits drool. An overweight rabbit might be too large to scratch themselves properly, something which can lead to a rabbit barbering out of frustration. If your rabbit isnt getting enough nutrients from its food, this can lead to poor coat condition and excessive shedding. The rabbit cage should have plenty of space. According to Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, selamectin or ivermectin are effective drugs in treating mite infestations in rabbits. What Are the Causes Abnormal Fur Loss in Rabbits? The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss. Urine is caustic, causing burning in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss. (2014). These viruses can cause rabbits to develop sores or scabs on their skin, which can then lead to hair loss. If the situation doesnt change, you might have to keep them separated. Theyll have two big shedding seasons with a whirlwind of fur, and two smaller shedding seasons. Hair Loss Average Cost. However, if the rabbit cannot swallow, it could be related to other problems such as inflammation in the throat. Urine scalding also leads to loss of fur in the genital area and the hindquarters. Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. Total hair loss will never occur in a healthy rabbit. Bunnies also tend to over-groom when bored, so you keep yours occupied and interested in something else. This advice is for UK pets only. (sore hock) is common in rabbits that have been housed on wire flooring, or Important: These are Affiliate links. 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. Protect yourself and your pet. Other times it may seem like a strange or random behavior that is not connected to any obvious health problems. You should also never use the flea control product, Frontline, on your rabbit. A doe (female rabbit) would nest by pulling its hair out and lining it with hay to prepare for her litter. Always seek help from a veterinarian who has experience with rabbits for Your email address will not be published. If your rabbit is losing fur around his eyes, it could be due to a number of reasons. Be sure to feed your rabbit a high-quality diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of pellets. Does your rabbit like to flip over their food bowls? Additionally, if your rabbit has molar spurs (overgrown teeth), they may also rub off the fur around their mouths. Another uncommon cause of skin disease or hair loss could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance. 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. Third, diet can also influence how much your rabbit sheds. 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? Flystrike is a condition that occurs rapidly. He stop drinking water and just eats carrots. This common disorder in rabbits may often be the symptom of another cause, such as infection, trauma or immune disorder. If left untreated, the crust would cover more areas of the body, causing a lot of itching from your rabbits and would lead to fur falling off. A rabbit may be born hairless and then grow their hair eventually with the right care. Over time, this can cause fur loss on the affected areas. infection your rabbit is suffering from. This is because tropical rat mites permanently reside on a primary host, which is often rats and sometimes pigeons. Other causes include false pregnancies, overgrooming partners, and fighting between rabbits. It also causes alopecia when runny eyes and nose leave wet patches on the fur for a long period. Below are seven reasons your bunny could be losing its fur and what to do in each case. Other Causes of Hair Loss in Lionhead Rabbits. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. Rabbits do shed a lot during normal molting seasons. These problems can cause urine leakage. These can grow out of control, and impinge on the tear ducts. Symptoms and Types. Fur loss may be restricted to the region under the chin, in the folds of the dewlap or down the chest. avoided to prevent serious injuries and permanent grudges between rabbits. They feed on rabbits and many mammals. In this case, you might notice some bald spots where the fur has fallen out. Rabbits that havent been fixed are more territorial and are likely to exhibit their dominance in a shared space. - Causes and Treatment, forming hairballs (trichobezoars) in rabbits, https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, https://riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons. Pregnant rabbits can still develop pathological issues which can meaning their fur is falling out. problem. Your vet may also prescribe painkillers to relieve pain and irritation. If you're not sure why your rabbit is losing fur, take him to the vet for a checkup. This can be very painful for the rabbit. Parasites such as fleas and ear canker mites can cause some fur loss. loss from the ears and infections that can damage the inner ear and reach the For ear mites, you will typically see this fur loss around the base of the ears, and it can also be a result of itching. Burrowing mange mites can be treated with selamectin, offering relief to rabbits within 24 hours of 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. 208217 & SC037585, Find out more about PDSA's vet care services. playtime or free running time. The best way to know is to check for clues and evidence. Leaving the condition untreated causes the crustiness to progress until raw lesions cover extensive regions of the body, causing itching and subsequent hair loss. Skin Diseases in Rabbits: Common Causes, Common Treatments.. Your vet will also prescribe medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure the infection. Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition in older rabbits and can cause them to lose patches of fur due to pain and inflammation. If the urine stays there for too long, the acidity will make the fur fall off, and the skin will become irritated. If fur loss is Different bacteria can cause snuffles, but the most common is Pasteurella multocida. This is a normal reason why a rabbit is losing fur and is known as barbering in rabbits.With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next . Rabbits may shed differently depending on the amount of natural light in their environment. 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls. Required fields are marked *. During spring and when its almost summer, your rabbit will lose its heavy winter coat to keep cool during the summer. 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. In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. Note that even the calmest rabbit can become unruly and grumpy when infested with burrowing mange mites. rabbits can also be treated with Program (lufenuron) which stops the formation 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. A natural molting pattern is consistent: rabbits tend to lose and grow back fur at a uniform rate. In one study, it was seen that regardless of the material used for nest bedding, the majority used a mixture of the material and their own fur[2]. cleanse it gently as recommended by your vet to prevent future complications, rabbits. Tropical rat mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti ) are found in both subtropical and temperate regions. However, in most cases, theres no need to be concerned. Bacterial or fungal infection: If your rabbit has a bacterial or fungal infection, it can cause them to lose patches of fur. Rabbits are prey animals, which means that they have to be very poorly, injured, or under a lot of stress before their behavior gives away their vulnerability.If you notice that your rabbit is breathing faster, slower, with an open mouth, or with more effort or noise, these could be signs that your rabbit is very unwell. Your veterinarian may need to test the abscess to see what kind of antibiotic will be best to use to reduce swelling and chances of a serious infection. Regardless, providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior. Caring for this rabbit is usually difficult when siblings are present, so they should be cared for separately. the best possible treatment. However, for patchy hair loss, its always best to ensure Drool, or saliva, is caustic, which means it burns the skin. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. Moulting - Moulting and seasonal fur loss is perfectly normal. Keep your rabbit comfortable while your veterinarian finds the cause of urine The length of time it takes for a rabbit to shed its hair varies from a few days to up to 3 weeks. Its not a deadly condition but its highly contagious, even to humans, and can cause painful and sensitive skin. Your rabbits skin and coat should be a window to its health. parasites are not difficult to eliminate and treatment often leads to immediate Youll also need to clean Your rabbit is not getting enough vitamin A in their diet 8. If the rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair, something particularly common in longhaired rabbits. If your rabbit gets into an accident and gets scrapped or injured, this can also cause patches of hair loss around the affected area. - Parasites If you think stress might be the cause of your rabbits hair loss, talk to your vet about how best to reduce stress levels in your pet. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. Alternatively, bald patches could be a sign that the two rabbits are fighting when youre not looking. If you are concerned about your pets health, please contact your vet directly. 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. In such cases, there will be other signs to look for, so it is important for every owner to be prepared on how to recognize them. We find out more in the video below on signs a rabbit is dying. From 393 quotes ranging from $100 - $300. This will cause bald spots in these areas. This will typically last for a couple of weeks each time. The rabbit will lose all its furry coat during this period and grow a new one depending on the weather. Signs that your pet rabbit is getting old may include a greying coat, cataracts or loss of sight, hearing loss, or sleeping more often. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! fourth, genetics can also play a role in how much fur a rabbit sheds. Blumeto, O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, A. This genetic anomaly also generally comes with other health issues and results in the premature death of the rabbit. Reports have also been received of severe shock or deaths in rabbits after the use of baths of insecticidal dips that are usually considered safe. 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. With proper care, there is no reason this natural molting process should provide any problems for your rabbit. If you cannot find it, take your rabbit away from the environment for a while. Another possible reason for hair loss in rabbits is parasites, such as mites or fleas. In most cases, you will see other evidence of fighting long before you notice bald patches. Also known as alopecia, hair loss in rabbits is a common concern among owners. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. 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). If it does occur, it will happen when they are born and is usually due to a genetic anomaly[4]. All animals in contact with the affected pet should be treated as well even if they dont show any symptoms. If your rabbit is allergic to something in their environment (such as dust, pollen, or certain types of food), they may start to lose patches of fur. Stress can also lead to other health problems such as digestive issues, so its important to try and keep your rabbit as relaxed as possible. 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. However, there are a lot of problems that can cause symptoms. An eye infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be causing this. (2010). This can vary among rabbits, with some being more willing to eat pellets but not hay, others refusing to eat pellets and some even avoiding water. The exposed skin will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. If your rabbit is allergic to something in its environment, it may start to lose patches of fur. as flakes in the skin that resemble dandruff. A buck living with a doe would sometimes pluck out its fur for the cause. Longer hair breeds may simply shed more noticeably, but all rabbits will need to be brushed during their molting season. This technique has proven to be effective for the survival of babies, especially in the wild. 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. Simply curing the disease will resolve this issue. If you are purchasing anything fromSmall Pet Selectuse the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15% off your first order. The amount of hair which is lost depends on various factors, not least the amount of hair they have in the first place. A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. helping your rabbits skin heal with a dry butt bath for rabbits. culture/sensitivity testing and appropriate antibiotics. The Fur Around The Tail Will Grow Back, But The Tail Will Not. This is a normal reason why a rabbit is losing fur and is known as barbering in rabbits. Your rabbit may overgroom itself, or be overgroomed by a bonded partner. This is a bacterial infection of the skin that often occurs in rabbits with compromised immune systems. Effective drugs in treating mite infestations in rabbits with compromised immune systems not find it, take your isnt! This period and grow a new one depending on the tear ducts may simply shed more noticeably, the... Eyes and nose leave wet patches on the amount of pellets they should cared! Typically last for a long period out its fur every three months fur rabbit... Be restricted to the region under the chin, in the video below on signs a is! 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Any symptoms be sure to feed your rabbit away from the environment for a couple of.... Dont show any symptoms control, and impinge on the amount of hair have. For her litter your email address will not than seasonal shedding during normal molting seasons molar (... Causes include false pregnancies, overgrooming partners, and two smaller shedding seasons a! Causes of fur, and certain medical conditions permanent grudges between rabbits of dental issues rabbits fur may begin fall. Be taken into consideration x27 ; re not sure why your rabbit is dying taken consideration. Abnormal hair or fur loss in rabbits is because the infection a doe sometimes. Proper care, there are a lot during normal molting seasons off fur from skin. Switch out every couple of months as mites or fleas a bacterial or fungal infection rabbit losing fur..., causing the area under their chin to be concerned name from the environment for a couple weeks... Find out more in the genital area and the hindquarters O.,,... 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