Bald Spots?

[Jacki]

Mr. Bruce is around a year old and is a lion’s head rabbit. I took him to the groomer’s to get his hair whipped into shape because he does not like me to clip his nails, brush him, etc. 

The groomer brushed him, gave him a dry shampoo bath, and clipped his nails. When she was brushing him, she had gotten A TON of hair off of him. I saw the pile, I could literally make TWO rabbits out of the fur she brushed off of him. She was afraid to brush him anymore because when you brushed his hair up, you could see his skin. She was worried because she does not know much about rabbits care-wise, and wanted me to talk to my vet. 

I am having a procedure done tomorrow and will not be able to talk to the vet until next week due to him being on vacation…

His ears look fine, he is behaving normally, but i’m worried. He sheds almost constantly since i got him, it’s hard to tell when he’s molting and what is “falling out” (what the groomer said)

Send help!

[Autumn's Dad]

Rabbits generally shed a great deal. Sometimes they go quiet, usually mid- winter but in summer fur can literally be pulled off them in chunks without force. Try breathing out on the fur in one place to part the fur, have a look at the skin while you do for crusty, unhealthy skin that could indicate fur mites. But if there are not completely bold patches on him it’s likely just a heavy shed. Good luck
A.D

[Jacki]

Thanks A.D, will do!

[jerseygirl]

Yes, they shed a lot, varying in degree but it seems endless sometimes. Also normal to get some bald spots when they’re going through a moult. It is possible to overgroom though, especially with something like the furminator tool.

I remember one of our past members here saying that lionheads often have their first big moult around one year of age. She was pretty clued up on the breed. I think it’s when you see the mane & skirt become more defined.

[Author]

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