Olivia dry skin troubles

[LittlePuffyTail]

For the past couple of weeks, Olivia has a very dry spot just under one ear. She’s losing hair a bit there and her fur looks like it got snowed on, like dandruff. It’s getting worse and spreading to the other ear. I know it’s not mites or ring worm or anything else because about a year ago she had the same thing develop on the one ear and she was digging at the ear so I brought her to the vet (not my preferred bunny vet) who determined it wasn’t ringworm or mites or any type of infection. It went away on it’s own eventually. This time it’s worse though. Is there anything I can put on it, like some sort of lubricant. I will try to take some pics of the area.

[FluffyBunny]

Well, if you know that it’s not any mites or fungus, I’d suggest getting some “Bag Balm” for her. It’s an ointment made for minor dry skin/rashes in animals. I’ve been using it on one of my bunnies (who has sore hocks and a skin condition) for quite some time, and it gets rid of his dry skin almost immediately. You can find it just about anywhere that has non-prescription pet medicines – I got mine at Wal-Mart.

[RabbitPam]

Good suggestion. I got some for myself after reading a recommendation here, so forgot it’s better for bunnies!
I bought mine at a CVS pharmacy. It’s a cube shaped green container, with a picture of a little cow udder on the lid. Just a little dab should help, otherwise it’s back to a vet for another look I’m afraid.

[jerseygirl]

Calendula creams might be another option also.

I’m sorry to say though Puffy that it might be worth getting checked again. Rabbits can keep fur mites under control themselves but when their immune system is other wise occupied, mite can take advantage. *If* this actually was mites last time, it is possible her own system got it under control.

Here’s hoping it is just a case of dry skin and an easy remedy. If it is mites, well that’s just a treatment of Revolution and it’s all good. : )

edit to add: I don’t know if this a good idea or not but if you already have some kitty revolution, maybe you could go ahead and treat her anyway? Could you call or email your vet for her thoughts?

[LittlePuffyTail]

I had thought of bag balm too. I already have some here so I will try for a few days. If no improvement I will talk to my vet. I really can’t see it being fur mites though since it’s so localized and last time I had e-mailed my rabbit vet with concerns of it maybe being mites and she said “it would be highly unlikely”. Maybe mites are not common in my area? Also she doesn’t seem to be scratching it at all. I imagine mites would be terribly itchy.

[jerseygirl]

I imagine mites would be terribly itchy.

Nope. Fur mites don’t cause as much itching. Sometimes the first clue to them is the fur loss and ‘dandruff’.
But give the bag balm a go, nothing to lose.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Hey LPT I wonder if it’s dry where you are? I know it’s dry indoors in the winter because of all the heat, and we’re already dry out here too. I know the east is in general humid but I wonder if humidity (or lack of actually) might be setting it off? You could try a humidifier or alternately a soaked sponge set by the heat vent (that you then wet and put there again when it dries) that may help?

[LittlePuffyTail]

Well I know that my skin is extremely dry this time of year so I sort of thought that too. I just e-mailed my vet and described what it looks like and I’ll see what she says. If she wants me to bring her in, I guess I will just to ease my mind if nothing else. I’m going to check Stormy and Bindi carefully tonight to make sure they don’t have any dandruff. It’s easy to spot on her because her fur is so short and silky. The boys will be harder to check.

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