Abnormal Shedding? Worried!

[Courtney Tizard]

First off – I’m sorry if something similar has been asked already: I did look around but it was a very quick skim and I might have missed it. Forgive me if a similar question has already been answered!

 I have a nearly 5 year old Dwarf Dutch bunny (not purebred) who I noticed 2-3 days ago seems to be shedding her entire coat at once. I know that rabbits shed constantly year round but I’ve never seen it quite like this, although it’s very possible I’m freaking out over nothing (I tend to do that a lot). She is kept in a room with a stable, constant temperature. The fur underneath is coarse and short, not soft and fluffy like usual. Perhaps she’s just losing her winter coat? Although it seems to be mostly the brown fur she’s shedding – her white fur is still quite long and soft.

 What I’m worried about is this: about 3-4 months ago she was having a problem with skin irritation. She began obsessively biting and licking at the skin on her dewlap and created a lump, which had to be surgically removed. Although she recovered well after the surgery she did not leave the skin alone and was beginning to create another lump. Luckily, through the use of makeshift sock sweaters and fancy bandage work I was able to prevent further irritation and stopped another lump from forming; however, she continued to bite and lick at the area and was even pulling her fur out. We decided to try a topical Fuciderm pyoderma ointment (for dogs – although prescribed by out Veterinarian who specializes in rabbit medicine) and it worked wonders. Her skin is mostly clear now and her fur seems to be growing back around the area. My worry is that the steroids in the ointment may have affected her in a negative way and that’s why her fur is falling out…

 She’s still active, eating, drinking and pooping so I’m not extremely worried, but I panic easily, especially when it comes to my furbabies!

 Also, here’s a picture if at all helpful!

[RoyalElvira]

I believe your bunny is molting!! I dont know much about it, but google “rabbit molting” and I bet it will be helpful

[Courtney Tizard]

Did a quick search and a lot of what’s coming up looks very similar to what’s happening with her coat! It seems to match up really well.. I think molting is probably what’s happening! thank god, that’s calmed me down so much! Thank you!!

[Roberta]

Definitely molting, I believe a lot of the members assist with gentle plucking to help lift the dead coat away and prevent fur build up in the stomach.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Yup, that’s a def a molt. Some bunnies will all of a sudden “blow their coat”. It looks pretty strange but nothing to worry about. It is extremely important to groom daily during a molt so they don’t ingest a lot of fur. I find the “wet hands” method works well.

[Courtney Tizard]

Thanks so much everyone – like I said, I panic pretty easily, but I’m glad it’s only a molt! Thanks again for all the help.. gonna keep using the “wet hands” technique to aid my little bun along with her molt.

[Author]

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