Hair loss and Scabbing on bunnies face

Question
My daughters bunny first started to loose hair between the mouth and nose which then turned into scabbing. We put polysporin on it and then took her to the vet. We were given Chloramphenicol for 10 days. We were excited to see the sore leave and fur grow back duing treatment. However 2 days after treatment finished, she has started to loose fur again in the same spot as well as infection starting around 1 eye with pus. Any help is appreciated.

Answer
Dear Peggy,

The description sounds like mange.  The antibiotics might have helped clear up secondary bacterial infection in the affected area, but unless the underlying cause--parasitic mites--is addressed, the problem will not be cured.  Please see:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

and ask the vet about giving your bunny some Revolution (selamectin), which should solve the problem.  DO NOT USE FRONTLINE, which is deadly to rabbits.

Note that mange does not usually affect healthy, happy animals.  It's a sign of stress.  So be sure your bunny is housed in a large, spacious area, and has plenty of room to run and play, plus lots of love and social interaction and the right kinds of food.  Please visit:

http://www.rabbit.org/

for all the best information on proper care of your bunny to keep her healthy for a long, happy life.

I hope this helps.

Dana