Rabbit Crusty face losing hair

Question
A neighbor has abandoned her pet rabbits, I have been feeding them. At first the rabbits were very non responsive and have a hard crust like appearance on their faces and ears, most of the hair in those areas have disappeared. They also have glossy eyes. This neighbor was keeping them in the sun, and not feeding them properly. I will be taking them to the vet, as soon as I am sure I can. I do not want to call animal control, but I also believe these Rabbits are in need of medical attention. After feeding them for two days them appear to be improving, moving around more, and eating. Can you tell me what this might be on their faces? This neighbor was also keeping them in a cage in full sunlight for the entire day with temperatures above 100 degrees. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Hi Marlene

They sound like they either have a severe respiratory infection and have been rubbing their faces or they have mange.  If they have a respiratory infection you will usually hear a rattle in their lungs but not always.  They will rub their little paws on their faces and the snot from their nose causes infections and sores on their face.

At this point the best thing to do is get them to a vet immediately.  You are a good person for saving these animals.  They surely would have died from living in these conditions.  I personally would call animal control only for the fact that this person should be arrested for cruelty to animals.  The animal control people are not going to have an issue with you taking the animals as long as you assure them that they are going to get medical attention immediately.  

Give them as much water and food as they want.  If you have other animals keep them away from them.  Although the mites that rabbits get to not affect cats and dogs both cats and dogs can become asymptomatic carriers.  

Bless your heart for being such a good person.  Thank God you noticed these poor bunnies or they would most certainly have died if not from the infections then from the heat.

If you need anymore help please let me know.  I am sure the vet is going to want to give them some shots to get rid or the parasites.  Let me know how they make out.

Good luck

Pam