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Scabs

22 10:49:57

Question
My bunny cookie has 2 or three scabs on her back. I noticed them a week or so ago when there was only one. I figured she bumped into something because she's incredibly active. However now there are a couple more. The old one fell off and is healing. She's lost a bit of fur where the scabs are  but not much. I have to blow on her back to see them. She's always groomed herself heavily but more recently I've noticed her scratching her ears and cheeks more than before and then licking her paw. Is this just normal grooming or could this indicate mites or flees? Its possible that these scabs are caused by injections because She been on antibiotics by injection for about three weeks now. Do you think I should be concerned about the scabs? If they're simply injuries from playing should I treat them in some way?

Answer
Dear Wesley,

Scabs on the back, itching and scratching are all signs that your bunny may be suffering from mites and/or fleas.  Time to get her to a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

DO NOT use Frontline, which can be deadly to rabbits.  The preferred medication these days is Revolution (selamectin) which is effective against both mites and fleas.  Advantage is safe, but works only against fleas. I'd go for the Revolution, even if it's a bit more expensive:

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

Hope that helps.

Dana