Mini Lop skin condition

Question
My 7 year old mini lop has begun losing his hair where his ears fold over underneath. He has not had any previous conditions and the rest of his fur is normal. The skin where he is losing the fur is not red, seems normal, with slight dandruff *very very slight*. What could be going on?

Answer
Dear Jillian,

The folds where he's losing fur is a perfect habitat for mites, and these little devils are very likely responsible for his fur loss, especially if you see "dandruff."  Please see:

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

for more information, and find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can help you with the safe, appropriate medication (we use Revolution).

If the Revolution does not do the trick (and I'm betting it will), then it may be that the moisture in the fold is harboring bacteria or fungi that are irritating the skin and causing the fur loss.  If this is the case, working a little bit of baby cornstarch (this is baby powder made from cornstarch instead of talcum, which is irritating and carcinogenic) into the area to keep it dry and comfortable.

But I'd try the Revolution first.  Signs like this are almost always due to mites.

Hope this helps.

Dana