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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Hair Loss and Fur Changes

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    • snowballsmomma
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        Has anyone had anything similar to this before?  I noticed a day ago that my bun had two areas on his mid-back near his spine, almost symmetrical to each other along the spine, that have thinner hair, almost “balding” in that area (picture attached of one of them).  I don’t see any dandruff, redness or flakiness though.  I also looked at the spots with a magnifying glass and a flashlight and couldn’t see any parasite eggs/fleas/mites/etc.  I also noticed that the fur around his spine in his mid-back doesn’t feel the same “soft” way that the other fur feels like.

        Otherwise though, my bun is acting the same.  He is not scratching the area nor licking the area excessively.  He is still eating well and pooping normal.    But I’m getting worried…. he is not really molting at all so I don’t think that’s the problem 🙁

        .


      • Bam
        Moderator
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          Some buns molt in patches. That is often the case when you see spots of hair loss but no accompanying skin problem. With mites and fungus you see some changes to the skin, such as dandruff, redness, irritation, scabs (can be skin colored, so easier felt than seen).

          The quality of the hair in the patches feels different from the rest of the fur because rabbit fur consists of two layers, outer guard hairs and and undercoat of wool for isolation. These two layers of hair are most often not the same color, so when one has grown out or one has been shed, the color and texture of the bun’s fur seems to have changed. This is just temporary, though, unless it’s a young bun who is shedding it’s baby coat. The adult coat is often different in color and texture from the baby coat.

          i’d just keep an eye and also do some brushing.


        • snowballsmomma
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            Hi Bam – thanks so much for your response.  I really hope that’s it!  I do feel the area of the skin and couldn’t feel anything very obvious thankfully.  I’ll keep watching it for a few days and hopefully it will become more conclusive that is just molting or something else…. I’m definitely nervous about it.


          • Bam
            Moderator
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              Keep an eye, if it is mites it will likely get worse and you’ll see dandruff-like flakes. Many buns are not bothered by mites and they are easy to get rid of with Revolution (selamectin).

              And since we’re on the subject of anti parasitics, here’s a public message that we always issue: Never use any compound containing fipronil on a bun. Fipronil is sold OTC under many different names (Frontline, Sentry, Effipro are a few of them) and it’s widely used in cats and dogs. It’s deadly toxic to rabbits.  End of public service message!


            • snowballsmomma
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                Oh interesting – thank you for letting me know bunnies aren’t always bothered by mites because I assumed otherwise.  So I decided to try to see if I could see dandruff flakes if I fluffed/rubbed his fur while Snowball is sitting on a black cardboard paper (since I can’t see dandruff because of his white fur lol), and didn’t see much, so I think mites is probably off the table.  I will wait a few more days to see if any hair is regrowing in those spots, but if not, then I guess I will have to bring him to the vet!


              • LBJ10
                Moderator
                17112 posts Send Private Message

                  I looks like normal shedding to me. But if it gets worse, do as Bam suggested.

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              Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Hair Loss and Fur Changes