What is happening to my bunny’s fur???

[JuliaD]

OKAY SO, I don’t think this is an emergency because I’m pretty sure this, like most problems I’ve rushed to the vet for, could most likely be solved at home. That doesn’t mean it’s any less frightening.

So I caught my siamese sable holland lop, Jackson, today to try grooming him because his coat is a wreck (especially when you look at it next to his brother’s perfect fur) when I flipped him over, however, I noticed this:

I feel like a terrible bunny owner because I didn’t notice this sooner, but Jackson’s sort’f on the anti-social side and won’t even let me hover my hand near him unless that hand contains a treat. I noticed his hind legs looking a little white on the inside when he’d climb on his cage before I let him out, but I just thought he was still shedding. Now that area is dark and the fur is gross and his belly has this alarming white patch. 

Does anyone know what could be causing this??? And what I should do about it???

[longhairmike]

try gently plucking it,, does it come out? back legs and around the tail is where most of my buns start shedding, and this is definitely the season for shedding

[jerseygirl]

Im finding it hard to tell anything from the photos.
Does the fur appear urine stained?

Now that area is dark and the fur is gross and his belly has this alarming white patch.

Some of the dark areas might be the new fur growing in. The white patch – do you mean its bald or white fur?

This might seen an odd suggestion, but I’d consider having his teeth checked thoroughly by a rabbit savvy vet if:
1)His coat often looks shabby. (Rabbits with dental issues don’t aways groom themselves very well. )
2) He’s lost fur on back legs, tummy, under chin or chest area. (Some rabbits will pull for from here if they have something causing them pain elsewhere- commonly dental related.

You also mentioned in the profile bio that he’s grumpy and being a holland lop, I just think you’ll need to watch for dental conditions.
I hope I’ve made sense.

[JuliaD]

try gently plucking it,, does it come out?

It’s very attached, I tried brushing it out, and it was nearly impossible and I didn’t want to hurt him in addition to the stress of being handled anyway. His loose fur is usually grey, so it’s easy to spot.

The white patch – do you mean its bald or white fur?

It’s.. both??? It’s very very short, fine white fur and the skin underneath it looks fine – no redness or anything.
The fur on his hind legs doesn’t appear to be urine stained, not that it’d be easy to tell because of his color anyway, but I don’t think it’s urine mainly because it’s mostly on the front of his hind legs. When he urinates, it’s always projected behind him.

I’d consider having his teeth checked thoroughly by a rabbit savvy vet

This sounds like a good idea. He’s been more eager to eat lately and he’s been chewing on his chew toys for the first time in like.. over a year. We’re bringing him to the vet tomorrow, so we’ll see ‘ ^ ‘
Thank you, guys!

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