Skin problem

Question
Our 5 year old brown lop "Mr. Buns" has very dry flaky skin from the back of his head right down to his rump. It looks raw and very dry. The cage is clean and his food is replentished daily. I saw 1 or 2 very small bugs on his back (not fleas). Do you think this is ringworm or maybe mange. Is this life treatening?
Janet

Answer
This actually sounds like a case of fur mites.  These are fairly common in rabbits that are outside, (or can be brought from outside on clothing)  It is contagious to humans and other animals.  While this is probably not life threatening unless they were to just completely out of control, it is something you need to take care of.  It is fairly easy to get rid of.  Use a flea powder that is safe for kittens and that's main ingredients is Carbryl.

here are a couple of websites to find out more information on fur mites and other types of skin disorders.
http://www.welshrabbitry.com/health.html#earmite
http://www.islandgems.net/mites.html

However if this does not clear up in a week or so please take your rabbit to the vet.  Because I am not a vet I can not guarantee that this is the problem, however the websites mentioned above should help you if it is a case of fur mites.