bunny w/itchy skin

Question
Hi my name is Sarah and I have a 3 year old male mini lop named Sammy.  
Lately I have noticed him itching and scratching more frequently.  Just a few
days ago  I noticed that his fur was thinning out and he had dandruff and a
little scabbing in a localized spot in front of his hind leg.  Then I noticed a
scab on his neck and a few "bite" scabs in his ears but I see no sign of fleas.  
Could it be fur mites?  I really don't want to pay for a vet visit if there is a
treatment that I can buy and give myself. Do you have any suggestion on how
I can help my lil man to get better?  Thank you for your time and effort!!!

Answer
Hi Sarah,

I strongly suggest taking him in.  It does sound like a classic infestation of fleas or mites.  It is serious because the fur on the backs of their hind legs is extremely important because it protects the skin they sit on (and rub) from rug burn, and irritation can lead to skin infections, which can lead to bone infections of the leg. You don't want to have them lose any fur on the backs of their hind legs.

Just giving him a 'treatment' without knowing how to properly clean all his bedding, cage and the house areas he is in, will just clean him off and get him ready for whatever to move right back in on him.

Get him to a good rabbit vet, just have your annual wellness exam early.  It's only $40-50 for a wellness exam, and the vet may have prescription stuff that is safer and works better than what you might get on your own.

Make sure it's a good rabbit vet.  If you don't have one go here:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

and find a House Rabbit Society recommended vet near you.

Lee