How do I get mats out?

[RoxMad]

 I rescued a little bunny about a year ago and his legs and underside were covered with mats. We have tried numerous times to brush out, wash out, and cut out the mats, but they are pretty severe. He was extremely underweight and had a nasty infection when we got him, so we wanted to take care of those things first without stressing him out a lot by working on the mats (which I’m sure are not comfortable). He was previously a middle school science pet () and then lived with my cousin, who allowed him to get infested with fleas and did not take care of his infection, so he was not necessarily skittish when we got him, but had an attitude of not wanting anything to do with people and overall just a “broken spirit.” He also had a terrible maloclussion, so we had his incisors removed. We asked the vet to shave his mats while he was in surgery, but he was only able to get some of them out. The remaining mats are on his feet and legs, and I’ve tried to brush them out with a slicker brush and a “Hair Bean,” to no avail. We have tried cutting the mats, bathing him, and brushing them out. I cannot find a groomer who will work with him, and so I’ve made an appointment with a rabbit vet who is willing to see if she can get out the mats. I’m worried about shaving him myself because I know skin can grow into the mats, and the legs and feet are sensitive areas to shave.

Anyone have tips on how to get rid of these things?

[Beka27]

You’re doing the right thing by having the vet take them off. Rabbit skin is paper thin, you really don’t want to be going at the mats with scissors. Is he a long – haired rabbit?

[RoxMad]

 I’d heard their skin was pretty delicate-that’s why I was hesitant to purchase clippers and try it myself, so it’s a relief to hear having the vet do it (if she can) is the right thing. Yes, he is long-haired- I believe he is a Dwarf Lionhead. It’s just a guess, so if you or someone else knows better what he is, I’d love to know!

 

[Beka27]

Oh my gosh!!! He is soooo cute! What fluffy guy!

If you can get the mats out, and keep up with a good grooming schedule, you shouldn’t have to worry about them coming back. Lionheads don’t grow and grow and grow like angoras.

He is definitely a lionhead, not sure if he’s a dwarf mix or not. How much does he weigh? Lionheads usually top out at 3-4 pounds.

[RoxMad]

Haha, yes, he is very adorable and fluffy! When I first got him he looked so “droopy” and literally changed colors once he got some good nutrition in him! I’m glad you confirmed the Lionhead part-he’s definitely a dwarf. He only weighed about 960 g last time I weighed him, and he’s about 3 years old, so he’s done growing. I would like him to put some more weight on him, but he’s not a big eater. He has gained about 100 g since I got him, though! It took roughly a year, though.

He’s a pretty religious groomer, so I’m sure the mats are making him nuts! We will definitely be doing more brushing once these mats are out.

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