Missing patch of fur!

[WoWo]

WoWo is missing a patch of fur on her hind leg. I noticed it and then observed her for awhile and saw that she was licking/biting on it. I am guessing that it’s itching. There might also be a scab because my boyfriend tried to touch it and that’s what it felt like. Would This be due to mites? I also recently put fleece to line her cage so she gets more traction. Maybe she got it from that. But is there anything I can do without going to the vet?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I don’t think it’d be due to the fleece-fleece is a great blanket for them (easy to clean, soft, and wicks water away). It sounds like either something dermatological like mites as you mentioned-those do cause scabs. Or it could be overgrooming-sometimes that is something they do. I would go to the vets-it’s not an emergency that you should rush in for-but I would definitly make an appointment for a check up. Keep us posted!

{{Wo Wo}}

[WoWo]

Thanks for your input. She’s going to her first vet visit tomorrow! hopefully it’s not ringworm!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Keep us posted!!! {{VIbes}}

[BinkyBunny]

 What did the vet say? 

[Firsttimer]

Just discovered the same thing on Peppers foot, would really like to hear what the vet said.

[WoWo]

So WoWo had her first vet visit on Friday. We went to Dr. Lowe in San Francisco. She was nice. I never had a good look at her leg before the visit because WoWo is not used to being held so I have a hard time holding her for too long to take a good look. I only had a chance to take a quick look before the Doc moved her to another room so that the Vet Tech can help her hold WoWo while she is being examined. She said WoWo is healthy (thank goodness)! But the leg… WoWo has a open wound right below the patch of loss fur. She’s an inside bunny so probably got her leg caught some where (i do try to bunny proof my room as much as possible). I am not sure where she got the wound though. The vet suggested we test WoWo for ringworm and mites, but she also said it might be because the wound was irritating her so she was picking at that spot and caused the fur loss.

The Doc gave me two options…

1. do all the tests and wait for result ($300)
2. prescribe antibiotics for now and if it doesnt get better, come back for the tests ($100)

I picked #2. WoWo is now on Enrofloxacin, 0.8 ml 2 times a day for 7 days.

I went with a friend who has a dog that just recently went to the vet for missing fur and scabs. She spent over $300 dollars for all these tests and was also prescribed some kind of antibiotic as she waited for the test results. the dog was getting better with the antibiotics. when the tests results came back… they were all negative. so she suggested that #2 is most likely good enough from her experience. at least for now.

I believe the antibiotic is affecting WoWo’s appetite though. She hasn’t been eating/drinking much. I read that this is a pretty normal side effect. should i be worried?

[WoWo]

So it’s been almost a week since WoWo’s been on Enrofloxacin. I don’t think the wound is healing because i looked at her leg last night and I can still see the flesh. What can I do to help her wound heal? what can I clean it with? Is there any neosporin type over-the-counter meds that is safe for bunnies? I heard some people use stuff that’s made for horses. Any idea? And how can i keep her from biting/licking her wound so much?

[KatnipCrzy]

If she is biting or licking at the wound- you should really let the vet know about that.

For minor scrapes and ouchies Neosporin WITHOUT pain reliever is OK to use on bunnies.  If you use it- put on a very light amount- and then try to distract your bunny by feeding or giving treats to let the ointment stay on as long as possible.

As for cleaning the wound- I would check with your vet- it depends on the severity of the wound.  Hydrogen Peroxide damages healing tissue- so something like that is not a good choice.  There are other disinfectants- but your vet may not recommend getting the healing wound/scab wet.

So- really you should give you vet a call to see what is advised for your bunnys wound- it is hard to give advice not having seen the wound and severity.  But I am a little concerned it she is licking or biting at it al ot- the vet might recommend an ecollar (lampshade collar) or some other type of physical deterrant.

[Sarita]

I agree – ask the vet. It could also take awhile for the fur to grow back even if the wound is healing but always best to get your vet’s advise.

[WoWo]

Thanks everyone for their input! I have been putting Neosporin on her cut and its almost all healed! fur is also slowly growing back. once the fur is completely grown out, i will get WoWo spayed. she’s been biting and digging on everything! Thanks again everyone!

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