Another uncommon cause of skin disease or hair loss could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance. Rabbits typically shed more during the spring and fall as they adjust to changes in temperature. Another possible cause of hair loss is stress. 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. Anxiety. If it doesnt start to grow back, then there may be an abnormal loss of fur. There are few animals which are as susceptible to stress as rabbits. However, there are a lot of problems that can cause symptoms. Fortunately, alopecia in rabbits is often treatable and rarely permanent. There can be complications involved in the rabbi's self-grooming. If you think your rabbit has parasites, take them to the vet so that they can be treated with medication. 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. So it would seem like your rabbit is exhibiting cold symptoms if it has snuffles. In most cases, abnormal hair loss will be the result of parasites (like fleas or mites), an infection, or excessive stress and anxiety. This will remove the loose fur that's on the surface of your rabbit's coat. Infectious diseases - this could be a bacterial infection or other. It also causes alopecia when runny eyes and nose leave wet patches on the fur for a long period. This leads to urine being absorbed by its skin and fur. If the condition is not addressed, it can cause an infection on the skin. Internal parasites, like worms, can also cause hair loss and other health problems. If you suspect your bunny has a parasite infection, you should take it to a vet to be looked at. Allergies: Like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, dander, certain foods, etc. This common disorder in rabbits may often be the symptom of another cause, such as infection, trauma or immune disorder. Finally, stress can also cause rabbits to lose fur. types of mites. And disappears along with the problem. If your rabbit is sick, the fur loss could be a symptom of something more serious. Second, your rabbit may be shedding more because of stress or illness. Some diseases might be zoonotic, so it is important to ensure these problems are dealt with early so that they do not spread. Compare top pet insurance plans. 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. There are many reasons why your rabbit might be losing patches of fur. Raccoon eyes can also develop due to a losing fur around the eyes. leakage and while medications begin to kick in. Some are: This is a form of ear mites that causes ear cankers. Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss in rabbits. Your rabbit is not getting enough vitamin A in their diet 8. as flakes in the skin that resemble dandruff. Like humans, rabbits could also get bacterial infections that affect the urinary tract (kidneys and bladders). I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. If you think this might be the case, try switching to hypoallergenic products and see if the problem clears up. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. This genetic anomaly also generally comes with other health issues and results in the premature death of the rabbit. Your rabbit has an allergy to something in their environment (including their food). Rabbits do shed a lot during normal molting seasons. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. Rabbits are commonly known for their overgrown teeth. able to find anything thats obviously wrong, however, treatment with Rabbits will also begin to lose fur in their old age (starting at around 6-8 years). Does your rabbit like to flip over their food bowls? Pododermatitis As rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, we are able to better understand their grooming needs and how to meet them. Yes, its possible. Daily brushing is advised during this time. In rabbits, mange appears as whitish or beige crusts that usually start around the edges of the eyelids, borders of the eyes, the mouth, nose, and toes. Wool producers may shorten the amount of natural light a rabbit receives as a means to increase hair growth[1]. Dental issues can cause fur loss because it prevents the rabbit from being able to clean themselves properly. 2. In these cases, you will notice cuts or scabs where the injury occurred. If your rabbit is allergic to something in their environment, they may start losing patches of fur. Ringworm fungus may cause slight irritation to the skin, sometimes accompanied by tiny, raised, red spots. The flaked fur will eventually fall off if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin. If the rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair, something particularly common in longhaired rabbits. 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. It could be due to a medical condition, such as mites or an infection. associated with the following: Such types of fur loss Fipronil may be considered safe for other species, but it has been associated with severe neurological effects and deaths in rabbits. Symptoms of ear mites include: More 5. A natural molting pattern is consistent: rabbits tend to lose and grow back fur at a uniform rate. Simply curing the disease will resolve this issue. Typically, a bunnys urine colorshould be yellow or dark orange. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. 5. Burrowing mange mites can be treated with selamectin, offering relief to rabbits within 24 hours of treatment. 1. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. A greater hair shedding can usually be observed twice a year when the coat's renewal is complete. If you notice any other changes in his behavior or appearance, take him to the vet right away. Use of straw and wood shavings as nest material in primiparous does. This makes the wet areas sore and itchy, causing the fur to fall out. 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. An infection due to a wound or an infestation due to mites or other parasites are also possible causes. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. Learn more about how you can get quality hay (even ORGANIC hay!) 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. If you notice that your pet bunny is suddenly covered in bald patches, this may be because it is shedding excessively. Allergies: Just like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies. This is because the rabbit has easy access to this area and will often barber it as a reaction to stress. Adequate intake of fiber will also help to avoid other gastrointestinal issues. Parasite infestation can be caused by fleas, lice, mange lice, fur mites, mites causing ear canker, and fungus (ringworm). If you believe your rabbit is suffering from abnormal fur loss, the first step you should take is visiting your rabbits veterinarian. Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances (e.g., due to pregnancy or puberty) can cause hair loss in rabbits (as well as other animals). Fur loss associated with ringworm fungus is often bald, patchy and round with distinct edges. problem. Some may have a rabbit losing fur around their neck, others might see hair loss on the back or under the chin of a rabbit. Urine scalding also leads to loss of fur in the genital area and the hindquarters. 3) Parasite infestation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. your rabbits fur may begin to fall off leaving bald patches. The molting or shedding season can last between two and six weeks. Additionally, these viruses can make rabbits feel very ill and may cause them to stop eating altogether. Also, dental problems can cause drooling and teary eyes, and wet patches around the mouth, chin, and eyes. 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. Usually, an actual pregnancy takes 31 days, while a phantom pregnancy takes 18 days. Saliva burn is caused by dental problems in rabbits. Your vet will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and help your rabbit recover. rabbit is suffering from a urinary tract problem, take it to a vet immediately. 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. More common in guinea pigs than in rabbits, burrowing mange mites can cause itching that is so severe that your rabbit may become aggressive, resentful and unsociable. Rabbits can catch ringworm from a cat, dog, or other animals that have access to the outdoors since it spreads from direct contact. Bunnies can get bacterial infections in places not related to the urinary tract. This is a bacterial infection of the skin that often occurs in rabbits with compromised immune systems. 1. If you think this might be the case, take your rabbit to the vet for an examination. them distracted from their obsessive grooming behavior. Parasites such as fleas and ear canker mites can cause some fur loss. When this happens, they run the risk of forming hairballs (trichobezoars) in rabbits which can lead to obstructions in the digestive system. We may also be able to see clumps of fur in their hutch or other places they frequent. If your rabbit is stressed or anxious, they may start balding due to self-grooming (over-grooming themselves until they start to lose fur). In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. infestations can be extremely itchy, resulting in patchy hair loss in A diet that is lacking in nutrients can lead to a condition called alopecia, which causes the hair follicles to stop growing. 5. Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of fur loss in rabbits. 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. An early symptom is alopecia around the backend. Your rabbits skin and coat should be a window to its health. Here are a few reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur and what you can do about it. 6. For this reason, AnimalWised looks at why my rabbit is losing fur. Symptoms of hair loss can progress slowly or suddenly. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. In the long-term, ear mites can cause skin Avoid permethrin or pyrethrin-containing shampoos and flea powders. However, to establish this cause, you have to catch your rabbits in the act. It can be localized to just a small area or be generalized over the entire body. However, some rabbits seem not to have any set pattern and will lose fur in patches from all over their body at the same time. Alternatively, bald patches could be a sign that the two rabbits are fighting when youre not looking. Irritated or reddened eyes. However, treatment with appropriate medication, such as selamectin, often clears the problem even if the fur mites cannot be seen. The consequence is that that may cause the fur to fall out. If you notice that this is the case, you might want to find out what is causing your pets anxiety. Once you establish its barbering, rescue the weak bunny from the dominant one. I had 2 rabbits suffer from fly-strike (several years ago). 3. When a rabbit molts, the loss of fur will be generalized and fall evenly over the whole body. Theyll have tufts of fur standing out with some areas at an uneven length. Other signs include runny eyes, difficult breathing, coughing, sneezing, etc. According to Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, selamectin or ivermectin are effective drugs in treating mite infestations in rabbits. The more the crust, the more the pain and discomfort your bunny feels. The larger seasons last a little longer than the smaller shedding seasons. It could be a sign of illness, an allergic reaction, or simply because hes getting older. Let me know if you need anything else. Rabbits lose fur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological. caused by many different kinds of mites that affect rabbits, including: Fortunately, parasitic infestations can be treated with modern medications that are safe for lagomorphs. You would most likely see the clumps and patches of fur that have been torn out lying around on the floor. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. Urine burns can also cause the skin to become red and raw. Rabbits often moult in big tufts but should not go bald. She has never met another rabbit, and rarely leaves her room. fleece toweling that cannot be chewed on can help. If your rabbit is losing fur around their mouth, its important to take them to see a veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can determine the underlying cause and treat accordingly. (2014). Other times it may seem like a strange or random behavior that is not connected to any obvious health problems. Flystrike is a deadly illness that is caused when flies lay eggs on a rabbits hindquarters. playtime or free running time. If a rabbit is suffering from a particular nutritional deficiency, it can affect them in different ways. A rabbit may be born hairless and then grow their hair eventually with the right care. It is usually classified by the presence of dandruff-like flaking on the fur. 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, 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. Products involved include: Complications and deaths are often associated with the stress of bathing, dying, and dipping. A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is often a result of ocular discharge. We should put their diet under review to ensure it is optimal for our specific rabbit. You can use the button below to see some of the best options for buying hair brushes for rabbits: A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). 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