If you notice your rabbit has developed dark patches on their fur, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Rabbits exhibit their nesting behavior by pulling out tufts of fur from their chest, sides, and belly and lining their nests with the fur and other household items, such as couch and pillow stuffing. The type of infection will manifest itself in different ways. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! Rabbits typically shed more during the spring and fall as they adjust to changes in temperature. It could also experience urine dribbling. cleanse it gently as recommended by your vet to prevent future complications, 4. 4. Registered charity nos. your rabbits fur may begin to fall off leaving bald patches. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 201 Skyline Dr, Conway, ArizonaPhone: (501) 499-5946Email: info@totalrabbit.com. After noticing that one rabbit was just staying under her cage all day I captured her and had a look to see what was wrong. . 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. Luckily it develops as a symptom of a disease. This causes pain and severe discomfort. However, some types of fur mites are not easily identified upon visual inspection or on skin scraping. 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. There are few animals which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits. to determine if the infection has reached the bone, along with associated with the following: Such types of fur loss as flakes in the skin that resemble dandruff. 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. Avoid permethrin or pyrethrin-containing shampoos and flea powders. Fur mites or Cheyletiella We find out more in the video below on signs a rabbit is dying. This may indicate that your pet bunny is suffering from some disease. - 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. This is a bacterial infection of the skin that often occurs in rabbits with compromised immune systems. Mites will also cause crusts to form around these same areas. The amount of fur a There will be tufts of fur strewn about the room and the rabbits behavior toward each other will likely change as they become warier of each other. However, when you notice your bunny abnormally losing hair out of season, you should be worried and find out why. 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. If you are purchasing anything fromSmall Pet Selectuse the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15% off your first order. Skin Diseases in Rabbits: Common Causes, Common Treatments.. If the molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out. Here are 15 potential reasons why your rabbit may be losing its fur. How to Prevent Itching and Scratching. A rabbit can overgroom itself if it is anxious about something. Your rabbit may lose fur Look out for signs of shock, such as weakness, severe depression, and pale mucous membranes. These can be corrected by filing them smooth. 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. leakage and while medications begin to kick in. Fur mites often occur The treatment will be vastly different depending on the ultimate cause of the hair loss, so its best to see someone who will help you make the right treatment decisions. Dental problems will cause a loss of appetite as well as saliva burn (responsible for hair loss). Other bacterial infections on the skin can lead to scratching and itching, leading to hair loss. However, if the rabbit cannot swallow, it could be related to other problems such as inflammation in the throat. Rabbits may lose weight and hair as a result of parasitic infection, dental problems, or other health problems. In some cases, switching to a higher-fiber diet or giving supplements can help. This will cause bald spots in these areas. If you notice these symptoms when your rabbit is losing excessive fur or has bald patches, its best to see a rabbit veterinarian for more guidance: Sometimes the reason your rabbit is losing fur will be obvious. Theyll have tufts of fur standing out with some areas at an uneven length. I had 2 rabbits suffer from fly-strike (several years ago). Although this isnt common in rabbits, it can be a cause of fur loss in any mammal. Their ever-growing teeth could become a problem if they dont get enough roughages or fiber to nib on since rabbits often groom themselves. The first thing to know about rabbit hair shedding (also known as molting) is that it is a perfectly normal. are often caused by a myriad of factors, including: Fur loss can be caused by a severe flea infestation, which can lead to severe itching. The process takes 2-6 weeks. The skin underneath should not be red or inflamed, and the new fur should start to grow back within a couple of days. In many cases, this type of fur loss is also accompanied by wet skin or fur in these areas. Animal biotechnology, 33(1), 159166. Fur loss in rabbits is normal when its part of their regular shedding seasons. A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. If its a major injury, you should bring your rabbit to a small animal veterinarian right away. In these cases, you will notice cuts or scabs where the injury occurred. Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. There are many potential reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur. Ringworm fungus may cause slight irritation to the skin, sometimes accompanied by tiny, raised, red spots. If so, youre not alone. This happens because it is losing old fur faster than it is growing new fur. Disease and infections can also lead to patchy hair loss in rabbits, but theyre always accompanied by other visible symptoms, such as crustiness, itchiness, redness, and sores. Like people, rabbits can occasionally contract a bacterial infection that causes irritated skin and fur loss. In most cases, you will see other evidence of fighting long before you notice bald patches. Don't overstimulate your rabbit or manipulate it against their will. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. Your rabbit has a bacterial infection 7. Urine burns can also cause the skin to become red and raw. If the rabbit has to share their home with another animal. 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. 3. result of stress, boredom or poor health. 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. A greater hair shedding can usually be observed twice a year when the coat's renewal is complete. One common reason for hair loss in rabbits is due to moulting. Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. Once you've done a thorough brushing, pet your rabbit with a few long strokes down their back. 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. Spaying and neutering are also important for your rabbits health and longevity. Pregnant rabbits can still develop pathological issues which can meaning their fur is falling out. Your email address will not be published. 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls. The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss. Any type of fur loss, rabbit sheds and the length of the molting period varies from one rabbit to 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 . What Are the Causes Abnormal Fur Loss in Rabbits? Its best to get medication and instructions from your veterinarian so you can help your rabbit get rid of the infection. Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. Provide them with a variety of new toys to keep Underlying conditions may include physical or behavioral health issues. Allergic reactions are another possible cause of fur loss. Food is a basic pillar of all animal health. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. Even pseudopregnant females sometimes pluck in . 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. infection your rabbit is suffering from. 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. As rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, we are able to better understand their grooming needs and how to meet them. that have never been caged. Flystrike is a deadly illness that is caused when flies lay eggs on a rabbits hindquarters. Youll also need to clean However, if the tail is pulled off or cut off, it will not grow back. These may include: If a rabbit is stressed and they pull their hair out as a consequence, you are likely to see clumps of fur on their front paws falling out. Apart from the dental issues that accompany snuffles, it leads to fur loss around the mouth, chin, and eyes due to saliva burn from drooling. A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is often a result of ocular discharge. 3) Parasite infestation. 3. Blocked bust ducts are much a resultant role of dental issues. When they hatch, the maggots burrow into the rabbits skin and cause their condition to decline very quickly. And disappears along with the problem. Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss in rabbits. Use of straw and wood shavings as nest material in primiparous does. Common causes of alopecia in rabbits include: If your rabbit has alopecia, it can be helpful to check for, and tell your vet about other symptoms such as: Please note, our vets and nurses are unable to respond to questions via this form. Your vet may also prescribe painkillers to relieve pain and irritation. If the condition is not addressed, it can cause an infection on the skin. A rabbit may be born hairless and then grow their hair eventually with the right care. It commonly occurs on the face, head, and ears in rabbits. Yes, it is normal for a rabbit to lose patches of fur. Their teeth continuously grow, so they need to be trimmed by a vet or constantly nibbling on roughages. An center contagion, respiratory discipline or blocked tear duct may be causing this. Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst. Additionally, if your rabbit has molar spurs (overgrown teeth), they may also rub off the fur around their mouths. They will also likely instate a deworming and/ or vaccination schedule if one has not already been introduced. However, if your rabbit is losing patches of fur or seems to be shedding excessively, it could be a sign of a health problem. If you think this might be the case, try switching to hypoallergenic products and see if the problem clears up. They typically cause intense itching and scratching, which can lead to hair loss. Abnormal hair or fur loss (also called alopecia), looks a little different than seasonal shedding. Blumeto, O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, A. fourth, genetics can also play a role in how much fur a rabbit sheds. Some of the common pathological reasons why a rabbit's hair is falling out include: If you see these symptoms when a rabbit is losing hair, then you need to need to take them to the vet. In the meantime, here are some possible causes of hair loss . Its unusual, but occasionally youll find a rabbit who sheds large patches of fur before their new coat starts to grow. Usually, rabbits will also develop sudden picky eating habits. For this reason, AnimalWised looks at why my rabbit is losing fur. Symptoms of ear mites include: More severely affected, amputation may be the only way to alleviate the pain. Abscesses can also be an indication of infection or even cancer, so its best to get your rabbit checked out if you notice one of these bumps. Therefore, even the World rabbit science, 18(4).https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2010.776, 3. If left untreated, it can be fatal. (2014). Farghly, M. F. A., Mahrose, K. M., Peris, S. I., Abou-Kassem, D. E., Metwally, K. A., Abougabal, M. S., & Abd El-Aziz, A. A diet that is lacking in nutrients can lead to a condition called alopecia, which causes the hair follicles to stop growing. Mange crusts give off an unpleasant, musky smell, particularly in the ears. Some possible causes of hair loss ) to clean however, when you notice bunny... Cause of fur loss in any mammal if its a major injury, you be. They dont get enough roughages or fiber to nib on since rabbits often groom themselves also likely instate a and/! 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