my bunny Pepper has a HUGE bald spot!

Question
My bunny has a bald spot under his chin almost from one cheek to the other and
about 1/3 the way down his chest. I just noticed it as it's in a very hard-to-see
area unless he lifts his head.  It's size alarms me.  This has never happended
before and he is about 1 1/2 years.  The skin is not red or spotty and there is no
scabbing.  I can't take him to the vet til next week; is this an emergency
situation?  What are the possibilities?  Please help me!!!

Answer
Hi Kristy

Bald spots don't usually kill rabbits right away.  It could be from stress, diet changes, fur mites, excessive chin rubbing, infected scent glands and probably a bunch of other things.

As long as your bunny is eating, drinking, isn't lethargic or doesn't have diarrhea or loose mushy stool then he is ok to wait until next week.  I wouldn't put it off any longer than that though.  If it is fur mites or an infection it can spread and put the bunny under tremendous stress.  If you notice anything different about his eating habits or his daily activities then its a true emergency.

This article is by Ms. Krempels.  She is a Ph.D in biology and does extensive work with rabbits.  It explains most fur loss problems.  If you have time you can check it out.

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

Good luck and I hope your little friend gets better soon.

Pam