Rabbit - Scabs on Cheeks

Question
Hi -
I have a lil lop ear, who is probably about 10 years old (I adopted him). About
2 years ago, i noticed little brown scab-type things on his cheeks. They are
not on his skin, they are matted into small tufts of hair on his cheeks. I have
brought him to 2 different vets, but neither knows what they are. He doesnt
scratch at them, but when I pet him I can feel them - they're gross. Do you
have any idea what they are? If they are painful or itchy to him? Is there
anyway to get rid of them? I appreciate any advice you can give to me. I've
had lots of bunnies & have never come across this before.
Thank you!
Julie

Answer
Dear Julie,

We've had bunnies with these little scabs, too, and they're usually along the jawline.  They are believed to be caused by a very low-grade population of parasitic mites, so to get rid of them you can use Revolution (selamectin) from your trusted rabbit vet.  You can read more here:

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

and find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope that helps.

Dana