possible illness

Question
I have a rabbit, he acts healthy but he has red sore areas above his nostrils, his nose is not runny, and he shows no signs of sickness other than that, so i didn't think much of it.  I tryed to breed him the other day and he was very reluctant, I waited about 5 minutes but he never bred.  So I was wondering if it could have something to do with the how his nose it.  Any advice would be highly appreciated.

Answer
Dear Julie,

Without seeing the lesions, I cannot be sure what this problem is.  But please read:

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

as it could be mange.  It's also possible that this is rabbit syphilis, caused by a bacterium, Treponema cuniculi.  It is treatable with only certain types of injectible penicillin (bicillin) safe for rabbits, and you will need the help of a good rabbit vet, whatever this problem is.  You can find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Before you breed your bunny, be sure to read this:

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

I hope this helps.

Dana