Losing hair under chinny chin chin.

Question
My rabbit is about 2 years old. He has a second chin and is licking his chin so much that the hair is being removed.  The flesh is still pink and does not appear to have any sores, and he will allow me to touch the area.

5 weeks ago he ran away for 2 weeks (a very long and happy story) could he have caught an illness and what may this hair loss under the chin be caused from?

Our Guinnea Pig died the same week he ran away.

Thank you very much.

Kevin Synowiec

Answer
Dear Kevin,

There are several possible reasons for abnormal hair loss in rabbits:

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

But the restricted location of the problem in your bunny *screams* molar/dental problems.  These can make him drool, and the caustic saliva collecting under his chin will burn the skin and cause the fur to fall out.  

It's time to get him to a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

for a deep dental exam and filing of any problem  molars.  This is a very common problem, but only a really good rabbit vet will know what to do.  You can read more here:

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

I hope this helps.

Dana