weight loss and wool strangeness on mini-rex

Question
My 5yo mini-rex (male, not neutered) is behaving normally, playful, eating, drinking, loves being petted.  but when I came back from a week on vacation (a sitter had fed and watered him daily)he seemed much skinnier (I used to limit his food to keep him from getting fat) and his coat has rough, dirty spots where several hairs are stuck to each other evry 1/2 to 1 inch over his coat.  He also has two spots on his hind legs that seem like he's been biting/pulling but this was there for a couple months and I had just kept them groomed and let him hav emore play time.  
I remember this in his coat once or twice before when he was shedding but this is not going away.  I can't see any critters, he doesn't go anywhere out of my office to meet other creatures.

Answer
Dear Michelle,

Since you were on vacation when this happened, I have to wonder if the sitter wasn't doing a very good job of taking care of your bunny.  I can't imagine what the sticky fur might be without seeing it, but if he's actually *losing* fur, please read:

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

The weight loss is difficult to pinpoint, but again--if this happened while you were on vacation, then maybe the sitter didn't feed him properly, or he was depressed by your absence and didn't eat as much as usual.  Rabbits who are dehydrated can appear skinny, so be sure he's got plenty of fresh water in a bowl (not a bottle) and lots of fresh, wet greens.  See this for correct diet to help him maintain a healthy weight:

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

If he does not start to put on weight and return to his normal appearance in a week or two, he should be seen by a rabbit-savvy vet who can do a complete wellness exam:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana