grooming/skin

Question
I have a lion head rabbit that was given to me on her back I think she has been pulling out her fur and I've noticed large spots of dry skin on her back. This rabbit had been kept in the cellar and not really cared for except being fed. Could the biting or losing of the fur be do to the stress? if so what can we do for her? She is now in a bright room, I've been holding her, letting her wonder in house. I've only had Roxanne just 1 day so far. Any advice you give will be helpful.  Thank You  

Answer
Hi Sarah

She could be over grooming but the dry spot makes me thinks she might have fur mites.  They are easy to treat and all rabbits should be treated for them as a precaution anyway.  I know people that use flea powder made for kittens.  It cost about $26 for a 3 month supply.  I personally use a dose of 400 micrograms at 3 week intervals but there can be very bad side effects and many people believe it is poison.  You can also put 4 drops of ivermectin 1% between the shoulder blades.  It again has to be done every 3 weeks because the unhatched eggs will not be killed from it.

If you go to this site the first one is for kittens I believe it is called Revolution Pink.  Since she wasn't really cared for she could have picked up many things.  It is really important to find a good rabbit savvy vet and get her a check-up.  For healthy rabbits we recommend a yearly wellness check up.  

Keep an eye out for any signs of diarrhea, failure to eat or lethargy.  If she has any of those she needs to go to an emergency animal hospital right away.  

Rabbits do get allergies but usually sneeze.  I have never seen one lose their fur from them.

If you need help finding a good vet in your area you can go to this site and find your state:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html  

If you live in a rural area it may be a bit of a drive but it will be well worth it in the long run.  That way they will know your bunnies history and if there is ever a true emergency you will know right where to go.  You can also call a local vet and if they don't treat rabbits normally they can tell you the closest vet or hospital that does.

This is a site that shows you some pictures and has some descriptions of illness.  I have to warn you that some of the pictures are very graphic.  If you read under the mite section it will tell you that they are predominately on the back.

http://www.radil.missouri.edu/info/dora/RABBPAGE/rabbit.htm

Make sure to read through this website also it will tell you what is dangerous.  Any product made for dogs is very dangerous

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/groom.html#Fleas


Since you are a first time rabbit owner it is best to take it to the vet or find a long time reputable breeder in your area that can help you.  

I am attaching another site that you can look through when you get time since you are a first time owner.

http://www.barkandwag.com/Rabbits.htm

I hope that Roxanne feels better soon but if it is mites that are causing the dander they can become worse and she may also have them in her ears which is absolutely horrible and is one illness that can cause wry-neck (which is often times fatal).

I am sorry I tried to find you a good picture of fur-mite infested rabbits but I couldn't.  You may be able to see them if you look really close.  It will look like the dry skin dander is walking.

Please let me know how Roxanne makes out and she is sure lucky to have found you.

Thank you

Pam