Angora rabbit

Question
Hello!
I have a 8-month old Angora rabbit. I had just recently brought her to the vet to have her hair shaved off, as the matts were so bad and close to the skin (and I cut her!)...at first the area around top of neck (just under her ears) was pink, now there are bloody scabs forming and Im a bit worried. Will this heal on its own? Do you think its from her being shaved perhaps too close to the skin? Or could this be wool mites? (I read this is common in angora rabbits which also cause the matts of fur),
Thanks,
Andrea

Answer
Dear Andrea,

Sorry for the delay in answering.  This question was in the Question Pool, where another expert had placed it, and I have only now received it.

The scabs could well be from the close shave. Fur mites don't usually cause scabs, though they do cause flaky skin.  Angoras are particularly prone to them.  You can read more about their safe control (if you ever see signs of them) here:

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

Since your bunny is young, it might not be a bad idea for you to invest in a good quality shaver (Oster is a good brand) and have the vet show you how to do a shave that cuts the fur to only about 1" long, and not all the way to the skin.  This will reduce the likelihood of mats, and keep bunny more comfortable.

Also, combing the fur with a very small bit of baby cornstarch (available in the baby section with the carcinogenic talcum powder) worked into the fur to keep it slippery and not tangling.

The little scabs will heal on their own, so don't worry. Just keep an eye out for any sign of redness or swelling, which would mean inflammation or even infection.  That would require a trip to the vet.  Or you can gently dab some dilute povidone iodine on them (Betadine; available at any supermarket or drug store) to keep them disinfected and dry.

Hope that helps.

Dana