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pet rabbit with crusty dandruff

22 10:14:17

Question
my 7 yr old rabbit has had hairloss with hard dandruff which when brushed off is very tender looking underneath.He bites it now and then and has a very good apertite.He is kept indoors in his house cage please help as my daughter is upset with the baldy patches he is getting. thanks very much Richie.......


Answer
Dear Richie,

It sounds as if the bunny has a case of mange, caused by microscopic parasitic mites.  Fortunately, this is easily and safely treated with Revolution (selamectin) from your vet.  Please find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and read more about this condition here:

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

First, don't pick at the scabs.  The skin underneath will heal once the medication kills the mites, about 12 hours after applications.  The crusts will come off as the skin heals, and this is a LOT less painful than exposing the raw, painful skin underneath!

Second, DO NOT try any over-the-counter or home remedies.  They will simply waste time and not be effective.  Selamectin is the way to go.

I hope this helps.

Dana