excessive shedding

Question
My 8 1/2 year-old rabbit has been excessively shedding for the last year.  I took him into see the vet and they suspected fur mites (even though skin scrapings kept coming back with no mites). Even though there was a little dandruff on his skin, I never really suspected mites.  I helped with a big-city rabbit rescue for many years, so I am pretty rabbit medicine savy and have seen a lot of rabbits with mites.  For many months, my vet treated him for fur mites, but the shedding did not stop.  Eventually, I just gave up, because the vet would not drop the idea of fur mites. His shedding is particulary bad right now -- but there is no evidence of crusting skin and my bunny isn't bothered by it.  I have tried to do some research on what else might cause the shedding and came up with nothing.  I really don't want to go back to my vet because they seem unwilling to think about other alternatives beyond mites.  Can you suggest any other alternative causes?

Answer
Dear Deborah,

Though you're not believing this is due to mites, the signs all point to Cheyletiella parasitivorax.  It certainly will not HURT to administer Revolution (selamectin) to the bunny, as this will usually clear up the problem and is very safe and effective.  Ivermectin, we've found, is just not as good against fur mites, which can be very persistent and hard to clear up.

But there are other reasons for abnormal fur loss in rabbits, and you can read an overview of causes and possible treatments here:

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

If you want to find another vet for a second opinion, you may be able to find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana