Dandruff? Dry skin??

[Ali925]

Can bunnies have dandruff?  Or just dry skin?  My bunny is shedding (a LOT) and I noticed a single tiny flake here and there on her body, and also a little bit of dry skin on the outside of her ears.  I’ve already had the thought of maybe being mites…but I’m really hoping that’s not the case. 

Is it possible for them to catch mites when they are inside and no other animals in the house?

I’m at the point where I think I should take her to the vet because I’m making myself crazy with worry.  I am concerned with the possibility that it could be fur loss rather then shedding, since it’s coupled with flakes  (although it’s not that many) …  But my husband thinks I’m nuts to take her to the vet for “every little thing” so I’m trying to be patient.  (and save some money if nothing is really wrong)  However the only way to know is by taking her to the vet.  I just hate feeling like I’m overreacting. 

 

Any thoughts or similar experience?  I’m sure I’ll be calling the vet soon enough..

Thanks.

[CyrilsMummy]

I’ve not had any experience in this but if you read rabbit books then that normaly points to mites or flees and apparently the can catch it if indoors. Can you see any black spots on the skin?

I would take her to the vets anyway to be sure :o)

[Deleted User]

Dry skin is a possibility depending on her general condition and environment. A rabbit can get mites even from bad litter or an infested batch of hay, or be a carrier from a previous exposure to mites, and some type of mites can manifest as dandruff. The outside of a rabbit’s ears should not look flakey and this is something you do want to show to the vet.

[Ali925]

Okay thanks guys. I need to come here to get support since no one else understands this. I’ll take her… Just a few days ago she had a swollen eyelid that thankfully cleared up in a short time, but I had wanted to get that looked at too even though it’s diminished. I guess she’s just having a bad week..poor bun

[Deleted User]

keep us posted! Sounds to me like a vet exam will not only make her better, but also you

[Monkeybun]

Monkey gets dry skin and dandruff when she sheds. I’ve had her checked out, and no mites or anything are on her. She just does that

[Ali925]

Thanks for the reassurance monkeybun! I have a feeling that it’s probably all related to shedding… She’s not acting out of the ordinary or anything. Now I’m torn. I’d much rather not have to take her if I have no reason to be concerned… It’s really not many flakes either, it’s very subtle, close to where the shedding fur is. Well I have the appt so I guess I’ll go, but I have a feeling I’m overreacting anyway. Plus my other bunny is fine and he is eating the same food and in the same environment.

[Monkeybun]

I took Monkey to the vet the first time I noticed it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry anyway

[Ali925]

Hey guys, I didn’t want to leave you hanging without an answer…but I ended up canceling the vet appt. I think I was making it out to be more than it was..I couldn’t really see any flakes later on last night, so I felt stupid taking her to the vet for something that wasn’t visible. I appreciate your advice though, and I didn’t want you to think I was ignoring your help by not taking her to the vet but I’ll be paying attention to her to see if anything comes up again. In the meantime she’s a very happy bun, just a shedding mess…

thanks again for your concern

[corpathina]

MJ was flakey on the very top of his head between his ears a few weeks ago and I too was worried. I’m pretty sure it was just dry skin, though, because nothing ever came of it. He’s been shedding, though, so I think you’re right that they might just get some dry skin every now and then. -shrug-

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