Hair loss in rabbits is one of the problem every rabbit parent may experience. Hair loss in rabbits is called alopecia.
The hair loss may appear as small and bald spots on their body, or even larger areas of your rabbit’s coat that are missing hair. Your rabbit may also feel itchy and keep scratching, as a result it leads to uncomfortable condition for him.
There are some symptoms of hair loss in rabbits, such as changes in behaviour, a rash or red skin, smelly skin, dandruff, itchy skin, overgrooming (licking and chewing more than usual), bumps and scabs.
Hair loss in rabbits can also be caused by a variety of possible problems. They may include the physical or behavioural health issues. Let’s get to know further the causes of hair loss in rabbits.
- Parasite Infestation
Parasite infestation can be caused by fleas, lice, mange lice, fur mites, mites causing ear canker, and fungus (ringworm). If your rabbit has parasite infestation, he may feel itchy and start to scratches off his fur.
- Dental Problems
Do you know that rabbits can also have dental problems? If they have dental problem, the easiest way to notice is by observing the fur loss location. It is located under your rabbit’s chin, on the chest, or and the dewlap.
Dental problem is also listed as one of the causes of rapid weight loss in rabbits. So, make sure your rabbit’s teeth are healthy.
- Stress
Stress is one of the common causes of hair loss in rabbits. If a rabbit is stressed, then he may start pulling his own fur out. Also, be aware of these signs your rabbit is depressed.
- Pregnancy
During pregnancy, rabbits may go through hormonal changes. False pregnancy and feeding young can also cause hair loss in rabbits. Some rabbits pull their own fur out during pregnancy in order to nest.
During false pregnancy, this condition may occur as well. This condition is considered normal as long as they don’t make themselves bald.
- Arthritis
The pain of arthritis may cause a rabbit to overgroom and pull his own fur.
- Behavioural
Rabbits are known as animals that love to socialize. That’s why they should be kept as a pair or a group. However, this condition may cause them to pull another’s fur as an act of dominance, which is called as barbering. Mounting and other sexual behaviours can also cause bald patches.
- Flystrike
Flystrike is a life-threatening condition which is caused by maggots. The maggots are burrowing under the skin to feed on flesh. The early symptom of this condition is alopecia around the backend.
- Moulting
Moulting and seasonal hair loss in rabbits are normal. Rabbits often moult in big tufts, however, it shouldn’t go bald.
- Dirty Bottom
Your rabbit will be likely to develop hair loss if he has wet bottom for more than a few days. He will also be likely to get urine scald and infected skin.
Other than those 9 reasons excessive grooming by your rabbit or companion rabbit and urinary tract disorder (affect the hindquarters area) would be the possible causes.
The next step after noticing hair loss in rabbits is thinking how to treat it. There are some suggestions to treat hair loss in rabbits, such as:
- Use the right medication to treat the parasite infestation. Contact your vet about the medication your rabbits may need.
- If your rabbits have dental problems, then molar spurs may have to be filed. This is done so that they are smooth. Tooth infection also may have to be treated.
- Antibiotics may be needed to treat urinary tract disorders. Surgical removal may also be needed to treat bladder stone.
- If your rabbit experiences false pregnancy, then your vet will recommend your rabbit to be spayed. Neutering or spaying your rabbit will also be recommended to prevent them from fighting.
- Keep your rabbit and any companions additional space to run and play so that they will forget to overgroom themselves.
You can also spend time reading these ways on how to treat hair loss of anggora rabbit.
After your rabbit recovers from hair loss, you should pay attention to some things as well. Make sure not making the cage overcrowded. Then, create space for your rabbits to move and exercise too.
Make sure to provide clean and fresh water in a bowl for a full day’s worth of water. Ensure that your rabbit has a healthy diet. Lastly, make sure your rabbit is checked at least once a year by the vet.
Hair loss can also be experienced by other animals, such as guinea pigs and dogs. Get to know the causes of hair loss in pig and causes of hair loss in dogs.