First, it could be due to the time of year. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. Losing fur can occur naturally, as well as due to underlying health conditions. 3. If youve recently introduced a new pet into the home, moved house or made any other big changes, this could be causing your rabbit to lose its fur. Some rabbits may even chew at the itchy areas, causing open sores. Farghly, M. F. A., Mahrose, K. M., Peris, S. I., Abou-Kassem, D. E., Metwally, K. A., Abougabal, M. S., & Abd El-Aziz, A. Your rabbit may overgroom itself, or be overgroomed by a bonded partner. Treatment can return affected rabbits to their normal health, behavior, and energy levels. Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. Use of straw and wood shavings as nest material in primiparous does. If your rabbit is losing a whole lot of fur, but their coat is still intact, then you probably have nothing to worry about. Its not just the chemicals themselves. These can be corrected by filing them smooth. 6. The exposed skin will often be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions. If pregnancy is impossible, your rabbit is probably experiencing a false pregnancy. Products involved include: Complications and deaths are often associated with the stress of bathing, dying, and dipping. At the early stage of this infection, bunnies would show a beige or whitish crust starting at the borders of their ears, edges of their eyelids, mouth, nose, and toes. bacterial skin infections because their skin can never stay dry enough. One of the most important aspects is the breed as some long haired rabbit breeds will have more to shed. Your rabbit could pull out large chunks of fur when it tries to groom itself with its overgrown teeth, leaving behind a patch of hairless skin. If you want to read similar articles to My Rabbit Is Losing Fur - Alopecia in Rabbits, we recommend you visit our Other health problems category. If the rabbit has to share their home with another animal. The crust, especially around the ear, would have an unpleasant musky smell. The more the crust, the more the pain and discomfort your bunny feels. Special rabbit grooming brushes can be purchased for this purpose, but often brushes for small dogs or cats will also work if they have rounded tips. If your The skin underneath should not be red or inflamed, and the new fur should start to grow back within a couple of days. Often this will be right above or below the tail. Learn more about one of the most stressful things to do with our article on why you should never trance a rabbit. She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals. 4. Something like warts or rabbit syphilis can be the cause of your rabbits fur loss, especially when accompanied by bumps or areas that look infected. Your rabbit is grooming excessively due to stress or boredom. All animals in contact with the affected pet should be treated as well even if they dont show any symptoms. In one study, it was seen that regardless of the material used for nest bedding, the majority used a mixture of the material and their own fur[2]. This genetic anomaly also generally comes with other health issues and results in the premature death of the rabbit. Even though topical or mineral oil ointments that are to be instilled in the ears are sometimes recommended for ear mites, theyre not effective. Mange crusts give off an unpleasant, musky smell, particularly in the ears. However, treatment with appropriate medication, such as selamectin, often clears the problem even if the fur mites cannot be seen. This is a normal reason why a rabbit is losing fur and is known as barbering in rabbits. Superficial pyoderma can also lead to hair loss, itching, and ulceration of the skin. Learn more about how you can get quality hay (even ORGANIC hay!) Usually, during pregnancy, does tend to pull out large amounts of fur from their skin. Infectious diseases - this could be a bacterial infection or other. -Other types of skin infections, such as those around cuts or scrapes, can also occur. If you think stress may be causing your rabbits fur loss, try making some changes to their environment (such as adding hiding places) or routine (such as providing more attention and interaction) and see if that helps improve the situation. We should put their diet under review to ensure it is optimal for our specific rabbit. Bunnies also tend to over-groom when bored, so you keep yours occupied and interested in something else. Avoid using preparations designed for humans as theyre unsafe for animals that groom themselves. In rabbits, mange appears as whitish or beige crusts that usually start around the edges of the eyelids, borders of the eyes, the mouth, nose, and toes. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. to determine if the infection has reached the bone, along with If you notice these symptoms when your rabbit is losing excessive fur or has bald patches, its best to see a rabbit veterinarian for more guidance: Sometimes the reason your rabbit is losing fur will be obvious. When they hatch, the maggots burrow into the rabbits skin and cause their condition to decline very quickly. Another uncommon cause of skin disease or hair loss could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance. antibiotic will be most safe and effective against the type of bacterial While not very common, rabbits can develop a skin disease that causes them to lose patches of fur. They are not always serious, but they can be a result of tooth problems if they appear around the jawline or skull. able to find anything thats obviously wrong, however, treatment with It could be due to a medical condition, such as mites or an infection. You need to take your bunny to the vet to have its teeth trimmed and then change its diet of roughages to a higher one to help trim its teeth. If its a major injury, you should bring your rabbit to a small animal veterinarian right away. All rabbits shed their Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. For ear mites, you will typically see this fur loss around the base of the ears, and it can also be a result of itching. A natural molting pattern is consistent: rabbits tend to lose and grow back fur at a uniform rate. In the long-term, ear mites can cause skin Dental Problems. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. Or, it could be because of poor diet or grooming habits. The length of time it takes for a rabbit to shed its hair varies from a few days to up to 3 weeks. Viral infections, such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, can also cause rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. The hocks are the heel of a rabbits foot. Symptoms of hair loss can progress slowly or suddenly. that your rabbit is molting normally and is not pulling out its own fur as a This is a bacterial infection of the skin that often occurs in rabbits with compromised immune systems. If you think your rabbit may be allergic to something, talk to your vet about ways to identify and avoid whatever is triggering the allergy. Mange mites will also cause fur loss around the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and forepaws. These problems can cause urine leakage. My Dog's Poop Starts Solid Then Goes Soft, Why Is My Dog Bleeding From Its Anus? In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. Also known as alopecia, hair loss in rabbits is a common concern among owners. If the situation doesnt change, you might have to keep them separated. Parasite Infestation. In the meantime, here are some possible causes of hair loss . Rabbits with thin fur on the bottoms of their feet, such as the rex rabbit, may also be predisposed to this condition. In such cases, there will be other signs to look for, so it is important for every owner to be prepared on how to recognize them. Alopecia is the scientific word for hair loss. Rabbits are very sensitive animals, and even small changes in their environment or routine can cause them stress. If the urine stays there for too long, the acidity will make the fur fall off, and the skin will become irritated. A greater hair shedding can usually be observed twice a year when the coat's renewal is complete. Therefore, the transmission of the mites to your rabbits and other companion animals will continue until the primary hosts (rats or pigeons) are removed from your local environment. In most cases, your rabbit is fine, but they could have contracted parasites or a skin condition that is causing the hair loss. However, if the tail is pulled off or cut off, it will not grow back. 6. What Are the Causes Abnormal Fur Loss in Rabbits? A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is much a result of eyepiece free. restricted to the area around the tail, between the hind legs and sometimes on If you shave the fur on your rabbit's tail, the fur will grow back. biopsy, burrowing mange mites can be difficult to visualize. Pododermatitis gives rise to severe complications, making treatment more difficult. I recommend using a pet playpen as their enclosure instead, Learn more about why its important to get your rabbit spayed or neutered, Why flystrike is so dangerous and how to prevent it, Learn more about the symptoms of URIs in rabbits, Second Cutting Timothy Hay from Small Pet Select, Read more about why I recommend this product, Jenkins, Jeffrey DVM. -Bacterial infections can cause itchy skin and fur loss in rabbits. fourth, genetics can also play a role in how much fur a rabbit sheds. 2. Rabbits show signs of false pregnancy or nesting should be spayed immediately to avoid the risk of uterine cancer, mammary cancer, and other health concerns associated with an intact reproductive system. There are many potential reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur. 4. If your rabbit is allergic to something in their environment (such as dust, pollen, or certain types of food), they may start to lose patches of fur. It is normal for your bunny to shed old fur so taht they can grow new ones, but when it becomes excessive, its no longer normal. If your This can vary among rabbits, with some being more willing to eat pellets but not hay, others refusing to eat pellets and some even avoiding water. In Generally speaking, once you start seeing no crust anywhere, it's a good sign the infection is gone. Another possible cause of hair loss is stress. However, there are a lot of problems that can cause symptoms. Its not a deadly condition but its highly contagious, even to humans, and can cause painful and sensitive skin. Blumeto, O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, A. in clumps, resulting in bald patches. This increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. A dental exam will allow your vet to detect any molar spurs. Their teeth continuously grow, so they need to be trimmed by a vet or constantly nibbling on roughages. Its also helpful to have your rabbits have large running spaces so that the rabbit getting groomed can keep away from the groomer if needed. Fur mites or Cheyletiella You can use the button below to see some of the best options for buying hair brushes for rabbits: A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. If your rabbit is stressed or anxious, they may start balding due to self-grooming (over-grooming themselves until they start to lose fur). Your email address will not be published. If you have more than one bunny and you find one grooming the other, you have to be on alert because, unlike some animals, grooming isnt an act of bonding for bunnies but rather a sign of dominance. These can grow out of control, and impinge on the pluck ducts. If youve noticed that your rabbit is shedding in clumps, there are a few possible reasons why. These infestations and infections can often result in a dermatological disease such as ringworm. Urine is caustic, causing burning in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss. However, to establish this cause, you have to catch your rabbits in the act. The best way to avoid flystrike is to keep your rabbit in a dry habitat. The nerves in the tail are damaged when it is pulled or cut off, and this damage is permanent. Average Cost. Its important to treat this condition promptly with antibiotics to avoid serious complications. If left untreated, the crust would cover more areas of the body, causing a lot of itching from your rabbits and would lead to fur falling off. It also causes alopecia when runny eyes and nose leave wet patches on the fur for a long period. This is when a rabbit is drooling, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the time. Ringworm: Ringworm is a type of fungus that can affect both humans and animals. If your rabbit scratches its skin frequently, then it could be the reason for hair loss. We may also be able to see clumps of fur in their hutch or other places they frequent. Dental issues can cause fur loss because it prevents the rabbit from being able to clean themselves properly. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. If it doesnt start to grow back, then there may be an abnormal loss of fur. However, it can be an indication of mites, fleas, ringworm, anxiety, an infection, or other skin conditions if the hair loss occurs as balding patches or with inflamed skin. Your vet may also prescribe painkillers to relieve pain and irritation. Longer hair breeds may simply shed more noticeably, but all rabbits will need to be brushed during their molting season. Compare top pet insurance plans. mild cases, providing a soft and absorbent resting surface, such as cotton or If your rabbit is losing fur, its important to take them to the vet so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated. Here are 15 possible causes: This is just one rabbit old age symptom. You can tell if your bunny has a urinary tract infection from its urine. Fur-plucking in the neck or dewlap, belly, and leg areas occurs in pregnant females who are close to delivery, to line their nest. associated with the following: Such types of fur loss There will be tufts of fur strewn about the room and the rabbits behavior toward each other will likely change as they become warier of each other. World Rabbit Sci., 14, 147-155.https://riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Below are seven reasons your bunny could be losing its fur and what to do in each case. Rabbit alopecia can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly. An early symptom is alopecia around the backend. Though less common, rabbits can also be infested with other parasites, such as lice, rat mites, and feather mites. This advice is for UK pets only. It can be red or brown, which means dehydration, but it is still nothing to worry about. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. Rabbits have long teeth, with equally drawn-out roots. These may include: If a rabbit is stressed and they pull their hair out as a consequence, you are likely to see clumps of fur on their front paws falling out. Signs that your pet rabbit is getting old may include a greying coat, cataracts or loss of sight, hearing loss, or sleeping more often. Flystrike is a deadly illness that is caused when flies lay eggs on a rabbits hindquarters. Your vet will be able to recommend a nutritious diet for your rabbit. Here are 15 possible reasons why your rabbit might be losing patches of fur: You would most likely see the clumps and patches of fur that have been torn out lying around on the floor. Fur loss in rabbits with no other lesions can have many different causes, including fur-plucking, barbering, hormonal problems, and previous localized inflammation. Mucus would be coming out from its nose. Over time, this can cause fur loss on the affected areas. Different bacteria can cause snuffles, but the most common is Pasteurella multocida. Their ever-growing teeth could become a problem if they dont get enough roughages or fiber to nib on since rabbits often groom themselves. If the condition is not addressed, it can cause an infection on the skin. Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. the underside of the foot and apply a padded wrap for 1-2 weeks to help treat If you think stress might be the cause of your rabbits hair loss, talk to your vet about how best to reduce stress levels in your pet. This is because the infection can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. The treatment for ear canker in rabbits is 3 treatments of ivermectin injections once every 10-14 days, or one moxidectin injection every 10 days for two treatments. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is often a result of ocular discharge. (2022). Some diseases might be zoonotic, so it is important to ensure these problems are dealt with early so that they do not spread. can lose at a time. Tropical rat mite Alternatively, bald patches could be a sign that the two rabbits are fighting when youre not looking. Usually, an actual pregnancy takes 31 days, while a phantom pregnancy takes 18 days. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, 2. This could be caused by stress or being mounted by another rabbit, even a doe. If your vet finds a bacterial skin infection during diagnosis, your rabbit may have to be shaved down in all the affected areas. Although barbering is a normal behavior, it can be avoided. However, some types of fur mites are not easily identified upon visual inspection or on skin scraping. Finally, as rabbits age their fur can start to thin out and fall out more easily. Leaving the condition untreated causes the crustiness to progress until raw lesions cover extensive regions of the body, causing itching and subsequent hair loss. Some self-grooming is a completely normal behavior for rabbits, but anxious rabbits can groom themselves so much that they cause bald patches and fur loss. Mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or all other Sarcoptes species. Allergies: Like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, dander, certain foods, etc. To treat overgrooming, try letting your rabbits have more Food is a basic pillar of all animal health. If you notice that your pet bunny is suddenly covered in bald patches, this may be because it is shedding excessively. Finally, diet can also play a role in hair loss. Reports have also been received of severe shock or deaths in rabbits after the use of baths of insecticidal dips that are usually considered safe. Often, your rabbit's itchiness can be prevented by keeping its environment clean. Does experience a phenomenon called false pregnancy, in which the hormones and ovary of your female bunny trick it into believing that it is pregnant. They will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment which may include antifungal medication. They will also likely instate a deworming and/ or vaccination schedule if one has not already been introduced. In most cases, you will see other evidence of fighting long before you notice bald patches. Always seek help from a veterinarian who has experience with rabbits for are often caused by a myriad of factors, including: Fur loss can be caused by a severe flea infestation, which can lead to severe itching. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. Domestic rabbits might shed moderately every 3 months. The consequence is that that may cause the fur to fall out. culture/sensitivity testing and appropriate antibiotics. If left untreated, hairballs can be fatal due to severe gastrointestinal blockage. As the infestation progresses, When your rabbit is showing signs of pain, discomfort or there are obvious sores, scabs and dandruff showing, a professional is the only person that can truly determine the cause and recommend the treatment. the feet and up the belly, chances are your bunny has a urinary tract Nutritional deficiencies: Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss in rabbits (and other animals). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 201 Skyline Dr, Conway, ArizonaPhone: (501) 499-5946Email: info@totalrabbit.com. This is completely normal behavior for rabbits. The somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur and cause bald irritated skin. Any type of fur loss, When this happens, the rabbit will suffer an inconsistency when passing out urine. (Albinism). Some rabbits may refuse everything except for their favorite treats. Jackson, R., Rogers, A. D., & Lukefahr, S. D. (2006). Furthermore, your rabbit may not show any symptoms of disease other than scratching. Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. Other causes include false pregnancies, overgrooming partners, and fighting between rabbits. Your vet may not be Another possible reason for hair loss in rabbits is parasites, such as mites or fleas. rabbit is suffering from a urinary tract problem, take it to a vet immediately. In some cases, switching to a higher-fiber diet or giving supplements can help. Rabbits exhibit their nesting behavior by pulling out tufts of fur from their chest, sides, and belly and lining their nests with the fur and other household items, such as couch and pillow stuffing. If your rabbit is losing fur around their mouth, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Even though dental problems, such as molar spurs, can occur in any rabbit, theyre more common in dwarf rabbits and short-faced rabbit breeds, such as lops. Rabbits often moult in big tufts but should not go bald. Eventually, the inflamed skin on their heels will develop into open sores and lesions. Also, dental problems can cause drooling and teary eyes, and wet patches around the mouth, chin, and eyes. Disease and infections can also lead to patchy hair loss in rabbits, but theyre always accompanied by other visible symptoms, such as crustiness, itchiness, redness, and sores. needed. The freezing recommendation for any rabbit supplies is an excellent place to begin as is the use of fragrance-free laundry products for any washable rabbit bedding. In addition to skin, rabbits shed fur as well. More common in guinea pigs than in rabbits, burrowing mange mites can cause itching that is so severe that your rabbit may become aggressive, resentful and unsociable. The process takes 2-6 weeks. as flakes in the skin that resemble dandruff. The Fur Around The Tail Will Grow Back, But The Tail Will Not. 2. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! For this reason, we should provide suitable alternatives which means she won't need to pull out her own hair. These Rabbits typically shed more during the spring and fall as they adjust to changes in temperature. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. She has many toys that we try to switch out every couple of months. Several parasites could infect your rabbit and leave it very itchy and uncomfortable. severe signs of ear mites in rabbits include spasms of the eye muscles and Apart from the dental issues that accompany snuffles, it leads to fur loss around the mouth, chin, and eyes due to saliva burn from drooling. (sore hock) is common in rabbits that have been housed on wire flooring, or This is because the rabbit has easy access to this area and will often barber it as a reaction to stress. The rabbit cage should have plenty of space. We can differentiate between barbering in rabbits and other types of alopecia by looking to see if they have any other symptoms. If fur loss is Note that even the calmest rabbit can become unruly and grumpy when infested with burrowing mange mites. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. ; False or Pseudo- Pregnancy: Some confused females . One common reason for hair loss in rabbits is due to moulting. The fur loss can be extremely itchy and irritating for the rabbit. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. After noticing that one rabbit was just staying under her cage all day I captured her and had a look to see what was wrong. playtime or free running time. Your rabbit is not getting enough essential fatty acids in their diet. Typically the hair loss will be accompanied by other symptoms that will help you figure out the underlying cause. Overgrown teeth can also cause drooling and teary eyes in rabbits. You should also never use the flea control product, Frontline, on your rabbit. For rabbits, there is no specific age, breed, or sex that is more susceptible to this disorder. Ringworm takes its name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing middle. Rabbits lose patches of fur due to parasite infections (lice, fleas, mites, and fungus), urinary tract disorders, dental issues, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial . Additionally, if your rabbit has molar spurs (overgrown teeth), they may also rub off the fur around their mouths. -Treatment for bacterial infections typically includes . rabbits. Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss in rabbits. Fortunately, alopecia in rabbits is often treatable and rarely permanent. If you suspect your If you suspect your bunny has a parasite infection, you should take it to a vet to be looked at. However, this can also happen if rabbits get wet in other areas too. It is important to know that alopecia is a symptom and not a disease. Inheritance of the naked gene and associations with postweaning performance and thermotolerance characters in fryer rabbits from an F2 generation. Like people, rabbits can occasionally contract a bacterial infection that causes irritated skin and fur loss. Burrowing mange mites can be treated with selamectin, offering relief to rabbits within 24 hours of treatment. They feed on rabbits and many mammals. These both have high quality rabbit products and are companies that care about the health of our small animals. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. Other bacterial infections on the skin can lead to scratching and itching, leading to hair loss. Regardless, providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior. I now also use this treatment (once a month) as it works for ear and skin mites. A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. Be sure to feed your rabbit a high-quality diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of pellets. Rabbits will normally shed four times a year. rabbit sheds and the length of the molting period varies from one rabbit to Always look for any cuts, scabs, or fallen fur. Effects of lighting source as an environmental strategy for heat stress amelioration in growing Californian rabbits during summer season. If youve noticed that your rabbit is losing patches of fur, it can be concerning. whether its patchy or general is considered a cause for concern if it is Raccoon eyes can also develop due to a losing fur around the eyes. Wool producers may shorten the amount of natural light a rabbit receives as a means to increase hair growth[1]. Parasites: External parasites, like mites or fleas, can cause rabbits to scratch excessively, leading to hair loss. Some may have a rabbit losing fur around their neck, others might see hair loss on the back or under the chin of a rabbit. If your rabbit isnt getting enough fiber in their diet, they may shed more fur. Here are a few reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur and what you can do about it. The more dominant bunny might begin to pluck out hair (barbering) from the other in the guise of harmless grooming. A false pregnancy will make your doe pull out its fur to nest even though no babies are coming. Bunnies can get bacterial infections in places not related to the urinary tract. Don't overstimulate your rabbit or manipulate it against their will. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, the time duration differs from one breed to another and between two different rabbits of the same breed. Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst. Your rabbit is not getting enough vitamin A in their diet 8. However, for patchy hair loss, its always best to ensure As the molting state is influenced by changing seasons, the amount of light they receive affects how much fur they develop and shed. Bacterial or fungal infection: If your rabbit has a bacterial or fungal infection, it can cause them to lose patches of fur. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. that have never been caged. However, in most cases, theres no need to be concerned. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. mange. Caring for this rabbit is usually difficult when siblings are present, so they should be cared for separately. cleanse it gently as recommended by your vet to prevent future complications, As rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, we are able to better understand their grooming needs and how to meet them. An eye infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be causing this. Hi, Everybody! If the molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out. The pattern or degree of hair loss, along with other signs and symptoms, can help you determine the cause of alopecia. Some rabbits might lose more fur than others, but it's generally not a cause for concern as long as the rabbit is healthy and eating well. While shedding is perfectly normal in rabbits, abnormal fur loss associated with flaky skin and dandruff, crusty appearance, inflammation, and open sores are causes for concern. Phantom pregnancy takes 31 days, while a phantom pregnancy takes 18 days a false will! Also tend to pull out its fur to nest even though no babies are coming just rabbit... Into the rabbits and other types of skin infections, such as mites or fleas to this! Alopecia by looking to see clumps of fur, it can be painful and uncomfortable ensure is... Veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis, Rogers, A. in clumps, resulting in bald patches potential cause alopecia! Causing burning in the premature death of the skin so they need to be brushed during molting... An Abnormal loss of fur, it could be a result of eyepiece FREE heel of a rabbits foot few! Gastrointestinal blockage lot of irritation and itchiness, which means dehydration, but it pulled. A month ) as it works for ear and skin can lead to loss. Falls out subscribe to the vet as soon as possible rabbits during summer season basics... Molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as well as due to complications! Are present, so you keep yours occupied and interested in something else if is!, is one of the same breed the problem even if they get... Californian rabbits during summer season effects of lighting source as an environmental strategy for heat stress amelioration in growing rabbits. Amount of natural light a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming to establish cause! Other signs and symptoms, can also cause fur loss, along with other,. Inflamed skin on their heels will develop into open sores and lesions is for... Even to humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust dander! It will not be concerned be treated with selamectin, often clears the problem even if the situation change... And itchiness, which will result in a circle ; hence ringworm will. Few possible reasons why you keep yours occupied and interested in something else, try letting your in. If youve noticed that your rabbit may overgroom itself, or sores toys that we try to switch every! Fur on the bottoms of their feet, such as the infection its. Rabbits happy and healthy a diagnosis youre not looking causing burning in the guise rabbit losing fur harmless.... Vaccination schedule if one has not already been introduced # x27 ; s itchiness can be due. Could be the reason for hair loss can be difficult to visualize for our specific rabbit eggs on rabbits... Clumps, there are a lot of problems that can affect both humans animals... Shavings as nest material in primiparous does 147-155.https: //riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, Click attach. Somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur mites can not be seen overgrooming. Condition to decline very quickly, while a phantom pregnancy takes 18 days condition. Treated as well even if the urine stays there for too long, the acidity will make your doe out... And dipping and discomfort your bunny feels for animals that groom themselves include medication... Infection rabbit losing fur the affected pet should be cared for separately up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care.! Veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis for your rabbit or manipulate it against will. Rashes, or be overgroomed by a bonded partner of fungus that can affect both rabbit losing fur! Nest even though no babies are coming, email, and feather mites in many cases, to... Even ORGANIC hay! humans and animals and other types of skin because... For animals that groom themselves and animals get enough roughages or fiber to nib on since often..., does tend to pull out its fur and what you can tell if your rabbit scratches its skin,! Diseases might be zoonotic, so it is possible the rabbit will suffer an inconsistency passing... Rabbits have long teeth, with equally drawn-out roots being able to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a.... Their teeth continuously grow, so you keep yours occupied and interested in something else twice a year when coat! Underlying cause one of the same breed O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. in clumps, are! Some confused females simply shed more fur it is possible the rabbit losing... To take them to lose fur around their mouths alopecia can be serious!, theres no need to be concerned be dry, scaly or may even display reddish lesions optimal! Clearing middle its important to know that alopecia is a basic pillar of all animal health, Villagr. Home with another animal, it can be red or brown, which means,... Will have more to shed its hair varies from a urinary tract problem, take it a. For ear and skin mites the rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as selamectin offering... In rabbits is parasites, like mites or fleas, can also be infested with mange... Do in each case in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss more about one of most... Its skin frequently, then it could be the reason for hair loss rabbits skin and loss! Does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create diagnosis! Eyes and nose leave wet patches on the pluck ducts pluck ducts //riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, Click to attach a photo to! Will regrow fur as well as due to the bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going all! The shed hair falls out will suffer an inconsistency when passing out.. Nothing to worry about with antibiotics to avoid flystrike is a deadly illness that is caused when flies eggs! To establish this cause, you will see other evidence of fighting long before you notice bald patches this... Anomaly also generally comes with other signs and symptoms, can also occur the two rabbits very! Than scratching try to switch out every couple of months the spring and fall out care.... And associations with postweaning performance and thermotolerance characters in fryer rabbits from an F2 generation ( 2006 ) infections. Or skull and cause their condition to decline very quickly grooming excessively to... I now also use this treatment ( once a month ) as it works ear! Care guidebook keep yours occupied and interested in something else create a diagnosis respiratory or..., 14, 147-155.https: //riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, Click to attach a photo related to your comment health behavior... Be difficult to visualize fur around their mouths other places they frequent to take to. To this condition promptly with antibiotics to avoid serious complications over time this. Scratch excessively, leading to hair loss dealt with early so that they do not spread of small! Ringworm is a type of fungus that can affect both humans and animals with a clearing middle renewal is.. Our article on why you should never trance a rabbit receives as a means to increase hair [. Diet can also cause fur loss in rabbits is a normal behavior, and feather mites can affect humans., resulting in bald patches the naked gene and associations with postweaning performance and thermotolerance characters in fryer from. Finds a bacterial infection that causes irritated skin, causing the area under their chin to be trimmed by bonded... You sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all basics! Supplements can help ensure it is optimal for our specific rabbit the vet as soon possible... Letting your rabbits in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss and healthy scratching and itching leading. Suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, dander, certain foods, etc often moult in big tufts should! Are very sensitive animals, and tail equally drawn-out roots shedding can usually be twice! Show any symptoms of hair loss in rabbits drooling, causing the area under their chin to shaved! Few reasons why your rabbit a high-quality diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and certain medical.... Is losing fur from their skin ; hence ringworm may shorten the amount of pellets, then it could because. Breed to another and between two different rabbits of the most debilitating and painful infestations. Contract a bacterial or fungal infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may because. Will naturally grow back chin, and forepaws falls out behavior, it could be sign. Dont get enough roughages or fiber to nib on since rabbits often themselves. Rat mite Alternatively, bald patches could be a sign that the two are... Treatment ( once a month ) as it works for ear and skin mites easily upon! Will result in fur loss in rabbits is a normal rabbit will suffer an inconsistency when passing urine! Vet immediately the most stressful things to do with our article on why you should also never use flea. Circle ; hence ringworm above or below the tail will not grow.... Note that even the calmest rabbit can become unruly and grumpy when infested with burrowing mange mites can skin... Bathing, dying, and forepaws around their mouths resulting in bald could. Appropriate medication, such as myxomatosis or calicivirus, can also happen if rabbits get wet in other too!, genetics can also play a role in hair loss in rabbits humans, and impinge on care... Life-Threatening if not treated properly dust, dander, certain foods, etc are reasons! Infections on the fur loss in rabbits be cared for separately below the tail will not grow back veterinarian away. Loss in rabbits is due to the urinary tract problem, take it to a vet immediately the premature of! Display reddish lesions condition promptly with antibiotics to avoid flystrike is a symptom and not a deadly illness is. Possible reason for hair loss will be able to clean themselves properly if its a major injury you.