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bald patch on long haired lop

22 10:38:07

Question
I have a long haired baby lop (angora I think, extremely fluffy, like cotton wool.) I brush her twice a day but am struggling to keep some of the fur from matting. Also my main concern is she has a bald patch on the back of her head, is this just where her head and kneck rub. She is very happ y and playful but I just want to be sure.

Thank you

Helen

Answer
Dear Helen,

Sometimes it's best for an angora or other long-haired bunny to have her fur cut to about 1" in length, so it won't mat--at least in the areas where they are most prone to mat.  These would include the spots around the tail, under the elbows, under the chin, and other places that the long fur can tangle.

But as you've already probably discovered, be *very* careful with that delicate, tissue-paper thin skin.  A slight tug or a misplaced snip with the scissors can open a surprising large wound!  :(  If you're not sure you can handle the trimming, a rabbit-savvy vet can help:

www.rabbit.org/vets

The bald patch on the back of her neck could be due to one of the problems explained here:

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

or it could just be her fur pattern. Many rabbits have much thinner fur in that area, and some are nearly bald there.  But if you're in doubt, have a good bunny vet take a look and treat the problem if it's due to something like fur mites (very common in angoras, for some reason).

Hope that helps!

Dana