Severely matted hair

Question
I have an 8 month old Fuzzy Lop who I was given a week ago. He is severely matted to this skin on most of his body. I have attempted for several hours a day to brush and separate the mats but it is not working. I have called every groomer around me and they don't do rabbits. My vet only does sani-shaves.

Any suggestions on how to safely remove these mats? They are very large and make him very uncomfortable.

Answer
Hi,

well, one suggestion would be to (very, very carefully) use some scissors (preferably with rounded tips) and trim the tops of the matted areas, and then try to work them with a grooming comb.  A man's plastic hair comb may be safer.  Use the side that has more smaller, denser teeth.  Under no circumstances touch the skin with comb teeth or scissors.  Rabbbit skin is extremely fragile and thin and scrapes and cuts easily.

But the idea I'm trying to say is that if you can clip off the upper part of the matted areas, if possible (using your fingers as a guard against the scissor's blades) it may be enough to open up the matted area with the comb then.

You could also try using a VERY LIGHTLY DAMP washcloth - very light damp - and moisten the matted fur a little, and then try working the man's comb through it.

It will be a gradual process that will take some time.  Eventually you'll be able to get through them all.  Whatever areas appear to bother him the most, focus on those first.

If neither of my suggestions seem to pan out, I would go to a good rabbit vet and get the matted areas trimmed off with a safety clipper.  If the vet you were talking about isn't known as a good rabbbit vet, go here:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

to find a House Rabbit Society recommended vet near you.