rabbit bruise?

Question
Hi Dr. Krempels, I have a question regarding my Rex bunny. The other day I noticed a small patch of fur missing up on his shoulder area. When I looked closer, it almost looks like there is either a bruise, or almost what looks like a blood blister under the skin. There is no bump, and there is no sore at all. The skin is unbroken, but you can see a darkening area under the skin. I poked at it a little and it doesn't seem to bother him to touch it. Before I noticed it, he was out for playtime and he likes to torment my one female bun who is very hormonal and tries to bite through the cage to get at him. Is it possible she yanked out a patch of his hair, and the darkening is in fact a bruise, or should I be concerned that this could be something else? (he is eating, drinking and his poos are all normal)

thanks!

Tracy

Answer
Dear Tracy,

Without seeing the lesion I can't know for sure, but it does sound as if the female might have pinched him and given him a bruise.  If the skin is not broken, just keep an eye on it for any sign of further swelling or problem.  Otherwise, it should heal without any intervention.  But if you need a good rabbit vet, you can find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

To reduce aggression between the bunnies, and prevent uterine cancer in the female, they should be spayed/neutered:

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

Then you can try to work on bonding them.  :)

I hope this helps.

Dana