Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > rabbit-fur loss

rabbit-fur loss

22 10:42:42

Question
Hi Dana, about a month ago i neutered my male pet rabbit who is now 6 months old... lately he has been shedding his fur... he dosent have bald patches but just the longish fur...i just wanted to know if that is normal for rabbits or does it have anyting to do with his recent neutering? he is also not eating carrots, which he loved... but is eating mostly greens... is it anyting to be concerned about? (it is currently spring where i live)

Answer
Dear Gina,

As long as the skin is healthy and new fur is growing in, I wouldn't worry.  For information on abnormal fur loss and how to treat it, please see:

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

But this is the shedding time of year, and he may just be replacing his summer coat with his winter one.  Be sure to provide plenty of fresh hay and wet greens, and lots of fresh water to keep any ingested hair moving through.  And groom off as much of the loose hair as possible.

If he's changing his eating habits, always consider the possibility of molar spurs:

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

and find a really good rabbit vet to check and file them, if this might be the problem:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps!

Dana