‘Bald’ spot on bunny

[DobonaeuTheMiniRex]

Hello fellow members! 

I have a Mini Rex rabbit named Dobonaeu. Dobonaeu in an indoor rabbit, and I noticed recently that there is a small ‘bald’ spot on his back. It’s not completely bald, and appears black like his fur [unless black rabbit’s skin is black?]. It’s slightly velvety like the rest of him, but significantly shorter too. He’s been shedding a lot lately so I don’t know if it’s just from shedding. I don’t feel or see any flaky patches. Someone told me it could be mites? I’m a bit concerned as to how he would get those? His bedding is prepackaged wood chips, and we buy him timothy hay in bales. I’m trying to figure out what mites would look like, because I have other pets in the same room as him that I do not want getting mites. Would I have to take him to the vet to know for sure if it’s mites? He’s not lethargic, or itching it excessively, he licks it and scratches it occasionally. What I would like to know if it is just normal shedding, or something different.

Thank you!

[LBJ10]

Probably just a big patch of new fur. Sometimes bunnies lose fur is chunks when they are shedding.

[nadiuh]

If he seems normal, and you see no signs of mites such as excessive scratching or specks (when my bun had ear mites, my bet advised to check for tiny white specks in the fur rather than flakes), ny best guess is overgrooming. Some buns will go a little overboard when grooming an itchy spot and begin to pull the fur out of the skin. It’s a little alarming but it sounds like it’s growing back fine. My advice is to keep an eye on him. If he starts to scratch more than normal, consult your vet. If he seems fine and the fur grows back, then he’ll be okay. Still, make sure to monitor his eating. Ingestion of fur can cause serious gastrointestinal blockages and any change in diet, energy or poos can indicate an issue.
Keep us updated on his progress and good luck!

[Author]

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