Hair loss

[Summer]

Hello,

I have a 1 year old lion head rabbit that has been gradually losing the hair around her neck. She is being fed 1/4 cup of oxbow rabbit pellets along with her veggies everyday. She has a large cage that is lined with fleece that I do changed regularly, and the litter in her litter box is a natural paper based litter marital. I do know it is that time of year when the bunnies start to shed away their winter coats so when I first noticed the hair-lose behind her ears about 3 weeks ago I quickly dismissed the thought of something being wrong. Today I noticed that the hair loss has made its way down her back and stops right after her shoulder blades. I’m completely confused why this might be happening since the skin is not irritated or flakey. I also have not made any recent changes in her cage. Besides the loss of hair, she is completely fine & is eating and drinking normally. I don’t notice her grooming herself any more or less since this started so I don’t believe something is making her itch. I did have this problem with my hamster a few months ago, so I ended up changing her bedding and the problem was solved but my bunny doesn’t have any type of bedding besides her litter. Ellie was treated for fleas back in March and her vet gave me kittens advantage flea medicine and she had no reaction towards the medication. I did notice a few days ago a flea near her ears, so I will be purchasing some more flea medicine some time next week but that also means all the other animals need to be treated too and it’s so expensive! I will take her in if the problem does not clear up but I just wanted to know if anyone had an idea of maybe what this is and how to fix it? Thank you

[Muchelle]

I think she needs that Advantage, it looks like parasites. Do consult your vet (even just over the phone) just to be extra sure. But if you saw a flea…

[ownedbybunnies315]

The pattern of hair loss you describe sounds like fur mites. It usually starts at the back of the neck and shoulders, and eventually continues in a line down the center of the back. It is easily treated with kitten Revolution (selamectin) or Ivermectin. Advantage is not effective in getting rid of fur mites. Do not use Frontline (fipronil), which advertises itself as effective at getting rid of fur mites, as it is toxic to rabbits.

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