Crust/scab around mouth

[Floppy]

Hi, today I found my 9 months old bunny having some brown/black colored crust on the sides of his mouth and the texture feels is similar to a human scab. This must be very recent since I didn’t see it in my pictures of him a few days ago. I thought looked like dried pellet crumbs, but I couldn’t easily wipe it off with a wet paper towel (he also doesn’t seem to like his mouth being touched). Everything else is pretty normal, he eats, pees, poops, runs around, and likes to flop. One thing to note is that I recently increased the amount of greens in his diet so I think he stopped drinking water. Is this normal or should I be concerned? Thanks!

[Bam]

This looks like it could be rabbit syphilis. (It’s not the same kind of syphilis that humans can get, and it’s not contagious to humans).

It is treatable with penicillin injections, and it needs to be treated. (Penicillin must only be given as injections to rabbits, never orally).

You should see a vet about this. It’s not normal and you havent caused it by changing his diet. He probably had it when you got him, if he’s an only bun. They can get it from their mother at birth.

 

[Wick & Fable]

Agreed syphilis is a possibility. Regardless of cause, the corners of the mouth being dirty becomes a very easy breeding ground for fungal infections, so having a vet appointment to assess this is best.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[LBJ10]

I agree. It could be syphilis. If that’s the case, it needs to be treated. It won’t go away on it’s own.

[Floppy]

thanks everyone. I brought him to the vet yesterday and they prescribed penicillin injections. Hopefully he will get better soon!

[Author]

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