Also known as alopecia, hair loss in rabbits is a common concern among owners. 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.
Rabbits lose patches of fur due to parasite infections (lice, fleas, mites, and fungus), urinary tract disorders, dental issues, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial infections. Other causes include false pregnancies, overgrooming partners, and fighting between rabbits. In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately, most of these concerns can be treated with medication and additional attention from the owner.
A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. If the molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out. Normal molting in rabbits follows a distinctive pattern. Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. The process takes 2-6 weeks. The amount of fur a rabbit sheds and the length of the molting period varies from one rabbit to another.
Your rabbit may lose fur in clumps, resulting in bald patches. In normal shedding, this should be a consistent process. However, for patchy hair loss, it’s always best to ensure that your rabbit is molting normally and is not pulling out its own fur as a result of stress, boredom or poor health. Disease and infections can also lead to patchy hair loss in rabbits, but they’re always accompanied by other visible symptoms, such as crustiness, itchiness, redness, and sores. It’s also important to keep in mind that natural molting is a seasonal process in rabbits. If your rabbit loses excessive amounts of fur throughout the year, a trip to the vet is needed.
Parasite Problems
Fur loss can be caused by a severe flea infestation, which can lead to severe itching. Itching can cause loss of fur when the rabbit scratches its skin repeatedly. The same goes for fleas. Fur loss can also be caused by many different kinds of mites that affect rabbits, including: Mange mites, Fur mites, Ear canker mites
Fortunately, parasitic infestations can be treated with modern medications that are safe for lagomorphs. These treatments kill parasites rapidly, leaving your rabbits itch-free and symptom-free, thus healing the cause of fur loss.
Dental Problems
Fur loss may be restricted to the region under the chin, in the folds of the dewlap or down the chest. In many cases, this type of fur loss is also accompanied by wet skin or fur in these areas. Usually, rabbits will also develop sudden picky eating habits. 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. Some rabbits may refuse everything except for their favorite treats.
The above signs are often related to dental issues such as molar spurs or molar abscess. These conditions make rabbits drool. Drool, or saliva, is caustic, which means it burns the skin. This makes the wet areas sore and itchy, causing the fur to fall out. Some rabbits may even chew at the itchy areas, causing open sores.
Even though dental problems, such as molar spurs, can occur in any rabbit, they’re more common in dwarf rabbits and short-faced rabbit breeds, such as lops. Rabbits five years or older also have a higher risk of dental issues. Fur loss on the around the mouth and the chin can be treated by solving the underlying dental issue. A dental exam will allow your vet to detect any molar spurs. These can be corrected by filing them smooth.
Urine Burn
If fur loss is restricted to the area around the tail, between the hind legs and sometimes on the feet and up the belly, chances are your bunny has a urinary tract problem. Urinary tract problems include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and bladder sludge. These problems can cause urine leakage. Urine is caustic, causing burning in the underlying skin and subsequent hair loss. Urine burns can also cause the skin to become red and raw.
If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from a urinary tract problem, take it to a vet immediately. Keep your rabbit comfortable while your veterinarian finds the cause of urine leakage and while medications begin to kick in.
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