Why Rabbits Lose Fur: Causes and Treatments
Alopecia is a word that applies to both people and animals; it essentially implies losing hair. There might be a variety of factors for hair loss, but it is luckily not a permanent problem in rabbits. A trip to the veterinarian is unnecessary if you notice your rabbit is losing clumps of fur. However, the reasons must be identified before therapy can begin. Alopecia in rabbits can be identified by thinning fur or clumps of fur falling off. Hair loss in rabbits is rather frequent. Other times, your rabbit will require treatment as determined by the veterinarian.
Reasons for Hair Loss
1. Stress
Stress is likely the number one cause of hair loss in rabbits. If your rabbit feels stressed for any reason, such as too many people around, they are known to pull out clumps of their own fur. Behavior issues can cause alopecia since rabbits are considered social creatures. This is why it is suggested to have at least two rabbits. However, this is not to say that rabbits are always nice to each other. There are many times, when trying to exert dominance, that they will pull another rabbit’s fur out in patches.
- Read more: Can a rabbit live alone?
2. Flystrike
Flystrike is a condition that needs immediate treatment. It occurs when maggots burrow under the fur to feed on the flesh. This condition will be noticeable around the hindquarters first. Fleas, mites, and ticks cause severe itching and can lead to fur falling out. Your vet will assist in treating this. Dirty bottoms can also cause alopecia, especially if the bottom of your rabbit is in wet conditions or remains wet for more than a few days, as this can lead to infected skin, urine scald, and alopecia.
- Read more: How do you treat a rabbit for fleas?
3. Molting
Molting is a seasonal issue for most animals, and your rabbit may lose large areas of fur, though this won’t lead to baldness. Tumors could also cause hair loss in rabbits, with cancer of the testicles, ovaries, or skin being the likely culprits; however, these cases are rare. Pregnancy is a common time when a rabbit may pull their own fur out to create their nest. Alopecia can also occur during false pregnancy or when feeding young.
Health conditions such as;
- arthritis,
- skin infections,
- or ringworm
will also cause the fur to fall out. These can all be treated by your animal’s vet.
Signs and Symptoms
There are many signs that something is wrong with your rabbit’s health. Some signs to watch for include,
- excessive self-grooming,
- smelly skin,
- dandruff,
- itchy skin,
- a red rash,
- bumps or scabs on the skin,
- and changes in your rabbit’s behavior.
It’s essential to understand that a rabbit will shed twice a year, which is common if everything is normal, as new fur grows in while the old fur falls out. However, in some cases, a rabbit may appear to be continuously shedding, which is often due to inbreeding. This can cause a disruption in the genetic processes in your rabbit.
To ensure there are no further issues, it’s essential to groom your rabbit regularly. Recognize that rabbits perform a lot of self-grooming, which can sometimes lead to hairballs. Hairballs can be very troublesome for a rabbit, so brushing, petting, and other grooming actions help remove much of the fur that could cause issues in the intestinal tract. Using a small soft wire brush or wet-hand brushing can help remove loose fur. Feeding your rabbit a proper diet will also help move any hair through the intestines. During normal molting, it’s very important that rabbits have access to fresh foods, wet greens, and plenty of fresh, clean water. This mirrors what a rabbit would go for in the wild.
- Read more: What to feed baby rabbit.
Treatment and Prevention
Your vet will prescribe medications for various infections or issues. Some treatments may include the topical ointment salamectin, which you will apply to the affected areas. The older version of this is ivermectin, an injection given to the rabbit. Ivermectin is not used as often as salamectin, as it doesn’t last as long. You may see shampoos and remedies labeled safe for treatment, which contain permethrin or pyrethrin for mites, though these are not recommended as substitutes for a vet visit. These items are generally less safe and effective than treatments provided by a vet.
Topical ointments or mineral oil can be used as over-the-counter treatments for ear mites, though these can worsen the issue and may lead to death in rabbits. Frontline, a common flea treatment, should not be used on rabbits as it often leads to neurological issues or worse.
The pattern and type of hair loss will help your vet determine the cause. Primary hair loss causes include natural processes like molting or pregnancy, while secondary causes stem from infections or disorders. A vet may perform a skin scraping, biopsy, urine samples, X-rays, or blood tests to confirm the cause. If the cause of alopecia is due to a partner over-grooming or exerting dominance, also called barbering, the vet may suggest temporarily separating the rabbits. Follow-up care is crucial to prevent recurrence. Grooming, a balanced diet, and a clean shelter help prevent alopecia in rabbits, though with many potential causes, no single recommendation is foolproof. Following proper shelter cleaning and diet routines ensures you’re doing all you can.
There will be times when alopecia occurs without any underlying cause. Pay attention to your rabbit’s behavior as it often indicates when something is wrong. Fur loss can be very itchy and uncomfortable, causing pain and discomfort for the rabbit. When signs of pain, discomfort, or sores, scabs, and dandruff are evident, a professional diagnosis is essential. Do not ignore these signs, nor rely on unverified advice; only a veterinarian trained in rabbit care can make a proper diagnosis.
Distinguishing Molting from Serious Health Issues
Molting, or biannual shedding, starts at the neck and moves towards the flanks. Even with vet treatment, you must watch for,
- lethargy,
- weakness,
- pale mucous membranes,
- and depression.
If these symptoms appear, see the vet immediately for fluids and corticosteroids. This highlights why self-diagnosis is risky. Only a vet with training in rabbit health can assess your rabbit correctly.
Managing Shedding in Rabbits
Some rabbits seem to shed all the time, which may be due to inbreeding affecting their natural response to day length and seasonal cues, or excess artificial lighting disrupting circadian rhythms. In these cases, regular shedding assistance is essential. Ingested hair during self-grooming can be uncomfortable, especially for long-haired breeds. The goal is to reduce ingested hair as much as possible.
Conclusion
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