Rabbit going bald

[Mango]

Hi all,

A few days ago my mini-rex rabbit, Mango, was shedding a lot, I decided it was probably just seasonal shedding. Earlier today Mango looked fine but was sitting and acted a little calmer than usual. I just checked on him and noticed bald patches on his back below his neck. I am planning to take him to the vet tomorrow morning to get this checked out. I recently got a bronchial infection and am on antibiotics. Someone else has been feeding him and giving him water so I don’t get him sick. However, I have been in the same room as him. Other than the bald patches he seems fine, he has been eating and drinking and is energetic. Does anyone know what could cause these bald patches and what I can do about it.

[Wick & Fable]

Welcome to BB! It’s great to see you are using the forums to ask questions about your rabbit’s health and behaviors. Owning a pet rabbit and ensuring his/her health and happiness is an ongoing, learning process, and it helps to have other’s experiences in mind.

When I hear fur loss, I think of the same, usual suspects:
1) Another rabbit pulling fur out – I believe Mango is your only rabbit, so this doesn’t seem plausible.
2) Heavy molting – Some rabbits do shed in patches, leaving bald spots. The skin exposed should look healthy.
3) Mites – Usually accompanied by white flecks (I believe)
4) Ringworm/fungal infections – the bald spot grows outward and flakes/crustiness is produced

How does the exposed skin look?

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mango]

Thank you for your response. I noticed some white flecks on the bald spot. If this is mites is there anything I can do? I called the vet and they said it is not an emergency so I shouldn’t come in today.

[Wick & Fable]

I’ve deleted your repeated responses. This usually happens when clicking the submit button more than once, or refreshing the page while it’s loading. Happens all the time.

You’ll find information here: http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Parasitic/furmite/fur_mite.htm
… one of the most important items is to NOT use medication containing “fipronil”, which is found in some medicines, like Frontline. It is toxic for rabbits.

Since you are seeing the vet tomorrow, be sure to discuss all options and consider what treatment best suits what your vet believes is causing it. From what I’ve read there is no harm to treating for mites, even if it’s not mites!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Author]

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