Many of the causes of a rabbit's hair falling out can be fatal if they are not addressed. 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]. 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. It is common for rabbits to suffer stress during certain instances in their lives. In most cases, abnormal hair loss will be the result of parasites (like fleas or mites), an infection, or excessive stress and anxiety. Often, your rabbit's itchiness can be prevented by keeping its environment clean. Conditions that cause abnormal levels of fur loss range from irritating to life-threatening. If your rabbit gets into an accident and gets scrapped or injured, this can also cause patches of hair loss around the affected area. Its a good idea to get your rabbit checked for any other health concerns, but often this is just a symptom of age in rabbits. During spring and when its almost summer, your rabbit will lose its heavy winter coat to keep cool during the summer. Its also pretty standard for rabbits to have a somewhat shaggy appearance when they are shedding. parasites are not difficult to eliminate and treatment often leads to immediate Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 142813.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, 4. Allergies: Just like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies. Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition in older rabbits and can cause them to lose patches of fur due to pain and inflammation. 4. 2. This common disorder in rabbits may often be the symptom of another cause, such as infection, trauma or immune disorder. However, this can also happen if rabbits get wet in other areas too. Other Causes of Hair Loss in Lionhead Rabbits. 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. A diet that is lacking in nutrients can lead to a condition called alopecia, which causes the hair follicles to stop growing. the underside of the foot and apply a padded wrap for 1-2 weeks to help treat If youve noticed that your rabbit is losing patches of fur, it can be concerning. your rabbits fur may begin to fall off leaving bald patches. Cancer: Unfortunately, cancer is also a common condition in older rabbits and can cause hair loss as well as other symptoms such as weight loss and lethargy. The rabbit cage should have plenty of space. It could also experience urine dribbling. severely affected, amputation may be the only way to alleviate the pain. selamectin may alleviate physical and behavioral issues. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. Make sure youre feeding your rabbit a healthy diet of hay, fresh vegetables and a small amount of pellets (no more than 1/4 cup per day). This is especially common among rabbits with a large dewlap (what is a dewlap?). A dental exam will allow your vet to detect any molar spurs. If you suspect your She has been living in my son's room and is free to roam around all day. positive results. These If you need to know how to tell if your rabbit is getting old, there are some obvious signs. This is a group of skin diseases that can be caused by allergies, infections, or other underlying medical conditions. $200. Their breathing is different Image Credit: Xaya, Pixabay. Another reason for losing hair in rabbits is parasite problems which cause itchiness. Treatment with miconazole or ketoconazole-containing creams prescribed by a vet is often effective for small lesions. In addition, some medications used to treat hormonal imbalances (e.g., birth control pills) may also contribute to hair loss side effects.. A number of things could be causing your rabbit to lose fur, including poor nutrition, parasites, allergies, and stress. Fungal infections in She has many toys that we try to switch out every couple of months. If rabbits didnt grow up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. 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. As rabbits reach elderly status, their fur will start to thin, especially around the eyes, nose, and ears. If you believe your rabbit is suffering from abnormal fur loss, the first step you should take is visiting your rabbits veterinarian. So it would seem like your rabbit is exhibiting cold symptoms if it has snuffles. If you begin to notice red spots in your rabbits urine, it is probably the blood, and you should take action, likewise, If the urine is cloudy. the condition. Learn more about how you can get quality hay (even ORGANIC hay!) This causes pain and severe discomfort. The flaked fur will eventually fall off if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin. The process takes 2-6 weeks. They typically cause intense itching and scratching, which can lead to hair loss. I had 2 rabbits suffer from fly-strike (several years ago). Mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei or all other Sarcoptes species. In these cases, you will notice cuts or scabs where the injury occurred. A false pregnancy will make your doe pull out its fur to nest even though no babies are coming. Bullet points. Here are 15 possible causes: All rights reserved. While some play fighting is okay, severe fighting should be Hair Loss Average Cost. If you think your rabbit has parasites, take them to the vet so that they can be treated with medication. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. 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. Rabbits that do not receive a correct handling from their caretaker or which have hygiene issues in their environment are likely to develop eye issues. In addition to skin, rabbits shed fur as well. Pregnant rabbits can still develop pathological issues which can meaning their fur is falling out. Leaving the condition untreated causes the crustiness to progress until raw lesions cover extensive regions of the body, causing itching and subsequent hair loss. There are parasites which can internally, and externally affect a rabbit causing health issues. Like people, rabbits can occasionally contract a bacterial infection that causes irritated skin and fur loss. While losing some fur is natural and to be expected, its important to be aware that it can be a sign of dominance or an underlying medical issue. Some causes of alopecia in rabbits are perfectly natural, but some are not, and require treatment. Fortunately, alopecia in rabbits is often treatable and rarely permanent. Rabbits with thin fur on the bottoms of their feet, such as the rex rabbit, may also be predisposed to this condition. Internal parasites, like worms, can also cause hair loss and other health problems. They might likely engage in a vicious fight, tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches. After your rabbit has finished shedding, their coat will return to normal. One effective treatment might be fluoxetine which works as an antidepressant[3], but it will need to be administered under the auspices of a qualified veterinarian and improving their environment is also an important factor. Other bacterial infections on the skin can lead to scratching and itching, leading to hair loss. Urine is caustic, causing burning in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss. Or, it could be because of poor diet or grooming habits. Overgrooming in rabbits is not normal behavior and is often a sign of boredom or stress. Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. For rabbits, there is no specific age, breed, or sex that is more susceptible to this disorder. - Causes, Why Is My Rabbit Shaking and Breathing Fast, My Rabbit's Stomach is Making Gurgling Sounds, Common Diseases of Rabbit Ears - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, Fever in Rabbits - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. In pathological conditions, the rabbits fur will likely fall out in patches, often with skin showing. 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. 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. The primary sign of alopecia is unusual hair loss. Alopecia can develop in patches or as thinning fur and is a symptom of many different conditions. If you notice dark patches on your rabbits fur, make an appointment with your vet right away for an evaluation and proper diagnosis. Another possible cause of hair loss is stress. However, in most cases, theres no need to be concerned. As an associate to Amazon, Small Pet Select, and Chewy.com, I may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases. Required fields are marked *. World rabbit science, 18(4).https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2010.776, 3. Rabbits are commonly known for their overgrown teeth. To confirm that its a dental issue, check for signs of teeth grinding, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and a dirty bottom, among other things. We should put their diet under review to ensure it is optimal for our specific rabbit. This is also called fur mite. These conditions make rabbits drool. In normal shedding, this should be a This did the trick. It could be due to a medical condition, such as mites or an infection. 4. Any type of fur loss, If your rabbit is losing fur, its important to take them to the vet so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated. In most cases, your rabbit is fine, but they could have contracted parasites or a skin condition that is causing the hair loss. Your rabbit will groom itself to keep clean, but grooming could also cause alopecia. Irritated or reddened 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. Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of fur loss in rabbits. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. mange. There are many potential causes of this condition, including dental problems, viral infections, and malnutrition. Due to a condition called alopecia, which causes the hair follicles to stop growing mites or infection... Know how to tell if your rabbit will groom itself to keep clean, but some are,! Your vet right away for an evaluation and proper diagnosis world rabbit,. Does not have the authority to prescribe any Veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis is common for rabbits have! Boredom or stress tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches might likely engage a! 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