Weird Bald Spot

[st3phvee]

Hello everyone!

My rabbit is currently going through his first major shed and he’s losing fur EVERYWHERE. I’ve been grooming him constantly with the hairbuster. I don’t know if I’m being heavy-handed (I’ll pull the comb through and it’s pulling at his skin) or if he’s going through something else. I was grooming him today and noticed he had a bald spot! It looks like the length of a quarter, but as wide as probably a penny. It’s not crusting and there is no dandruff anywhere on his fur. The bald spot is smooth and doesn’t look infected or anything. I was wondering if any of you have witnessed something similar and found out what it was? Pictures of the bald spot are included below. FYI, he is an indoor rabbit.

[DanaNM]

Bald spots like that can happen during heavy molts. The skin looks healthy to me, so it looks like just normal (but heavy) molting.

I would maybe be a little more gentle with the hairbuster though, just to make sure you don’t scratch any areas that are somewhat bald. Hand plucking or using a lint roller can be more gentle on their skin.

. . . 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.  

[st3phvee]

Thank you! I figured it couldn’t be anything extremely serious since his activity level has stayed consistent, as well as his appetite and thirst. He hasn’t really been scratching that area either, just licking it from time to time since fur is missing there. But clearly there are still hairs in that area and it isn’t completely bald. I’m just wondering how long it’ll be until I see the fur growing back.

[LBJ10]

Yeah, it just looks like a bald spot caused by heavy molting. The fur will start to grow in soon, it will look like velvet at first. If the fur doesn’t grow back, then you might have a problem.

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Moults can be spectacular, especially the big spring moult. From what you describe it sounds like a normal moulting spot. It happens at times because moult can be patchy.

Up until last year our bun didn’t tolerate brushes, but now I can gently comb him. For 7,5 years our little mister won’t-be-brushed had to be gently plucked, and you could really see how patchy a moult can be. Like he was run over by a lawn mower:

It’s also a fine example of the term “hula skirt”: the area on the butt that’ll look silly for weeks 🙂

[st3phvee]

Haha! He looks quite silly! But my bun is going through the exact same thing. His molting is currently affecting the radius around his bum. It’s really annoying trying to brush through since he gets antsy when getting brushed! But I’ve finally noticed growth on his bald spot! Hopefully the rest of his molt goes through as quick as possible. I put him on some digestive tablets so I think that’ll aid in his overall health. Thank you for your reassurance!

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