Genitals

Question
QUESTION: I was just brushing my rabbit and noticed that the area around her gentals are crusty and swollen.  Do you know what this may be and is there anything I can give her.

ANSWER: Dear Michelle,

There are many possible causes of this, from mange to rabbit syphilis, to urine burn.  The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem, so you need to get her to a good, experienced rabbit vet for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If other areas are similarly affected, this could be mange.  You can read more about abnormal fur loss causes and treatments here:

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

but you'll still need to get your bunny to a good vet for treatment.

I hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response.  I began putting neosporin ointment on the area and it is almost gone.  However, I checked her ears last night and noticed the same crusty stuff in her left ear.  Could this be mites?

Answer
Dear Michelle,

Yes, it probably is.  Neosporin might help treat the signs of this problem, but only Revolution (selamectin) from your vet will kill the mites:

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

Please get her to a good rabbit vet for treatment:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Good luck!

Dana