chew off tail

Question
Hello. I got a bunny about 3 weeks ago. And during that time, she started to bite herself down at her genital area until it started bleed. I took her to the vet and started some medication. Just a few days ago when I thought she was getting better. She started bitting her tail to the point that it was bleeding a lot. After being admitted to the vet hospital, she completely chewed off her tail from the base. I would like to know what is the reason for her self-mutilation.

Answer
Hi,

I am sorry to hear about this, the only thing I can think of is that there was some kind of infection in her vent area that was causing her discomfort and/or itch and it was working its way back to her tail.

The only other reason rabbits self-mutilate is typically boredom, high stress issues (and maybe just being in a new place without the other rabbits might have factored in), and if they are in a very negative/hostile environment, as they pick up on stress of people and others around them and it affects them.

Sorry to hear this happened, I hope she recovers and gets better.