Skin issue and balding.

[LukiePookie2022]

My rabbit Luke has been dealing with balding and dry skin for a bout  a month now, I called the vet when I first noticed and they said they had no openings till November, just called the vet last night and left a voice mail hoping I can get an appointment in for my baby boy.

It started off as dry skin and balding so I thought mites possibly as my roommates got a cat, we never had a group discussion about it and we were told that cat had fleas like a week ago. I’ve seen no fleas on my bunny, but starting this month I have noticed that he’s had a large amount of small bumpy scabbing which makes me worry it’s something else.

It originally started on his lower back (the hair lose and dandruff) and has gotten larger and moved further up his back before turning into bumpy scabbing.

If anyone has an idea of what it could be it would help a lot as I wait for the phone call back from the vet.

[Wick & Fable]

Many things can cause fur loss with flakes and scabbing, like mites, fleas, fungal infections, and syphilis. I recommend searching for other rabbit vets to see if anyone has an appointment earlier for you: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Choosing_a_rabbit_veterinarian#Rabbit_veterinarian_listings

I would make sure to express that the issue is spreading and he is now scabby — that is a sign that things are a higher level of intensity.

While there might be some temptation to self treat at home, it is dangerous to do so as there are flea/mite medications safe for dogs/cats that are actually toxic to rabbits (like Frontline; when treating the rabbit, best not use Frontline or other products with fipronil just in case) and also dosing for the rabbits and how often/when to apply should be done with veterinary guidance as well.

 

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.

[LBJ10]

Yes, is it possible to call around to different vets? Mites usually aren’t an emergency, but if he has scabs and extensive fur loss then that would suggest the infestation has progressed significantly. However, I would not necessarily blame the cat. It’s possible your bunny has had this for a long time.

[BZOO]

See if your vet has a same day sick option.

I can call this in any morning, drop them off and they will get to them when they can.

[LBJ10]

That’s true. My vet will do that too.

[DanaNM]

Good point, often if you call first thing in the morning they have some spots for urgent sick visits that they save (or cancellations).

. . . 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.  

[Bam]

Vets often do get cancellations, so this is a great idea!

[Potatomomma]

did your vet have an answer to this? My bunny is experiencing something similar but we’ve ruled out all the normal options

[Author]

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