strange fur

Question
hi i have i dewarf lop ear rabbit and he is apox 1 and half years old he has started to lose his fur startin from the neck down he has still got fur but it is just a bit shorter! he is a big size and i thought it might be just with the hot weather we have been having but would be greatfull if you could advise me wot it is and wot to do many thanks.

joanne jones

Answer
He may have fur or ear mites. I would advise taking him to the vet. If this is not an option, you can treat yourself.

Check inside the ears for any signs of scabs or crusty material. It will often be a brownish red colour.

If you do not see that, it is most likely fur mites.

You can purchase an ear mite treatment by running a search engine search for "rabbit ear mite treatment". Follow the treatment advice on the product package.

For fur mites, use a flea powder that is safe for kittens and contains Carbaryl as the main ingredient. Try to keep the rabbit from breathing in the dust (i.e. be careful when you apply it), and follow the treatment advice on the product package.

Be aware that mites can live while not on the rabbit for several days, so any areas where the rabbit has been recently will need to be treated as well. You can treat any areas that the rabbit can not get to (i.e. don't let him in certain areas for a while) with sprays that are made of pyrethrins, permethrins, or organophosphates. You can also just keep the rabbit and all pets out of the area for a week and a half. Thoroughly spray down the cage and remove all bedding (and thoroughly spray down the tray or pan which holds the bedding) and replace with new bedding. You can clean the cage with bleach (which will have the added benefit of killing bacteria), but be sure to rinse the cage well before putting the rabbit back in it. Remove all food and clean the dishes and water bottle (if there is one). Do the same for toys and anything else in the cage. Anything made of wood or cloth should be thrown away and replaced. Anything that is hard plastic, ceramic, or metal can be sprayed with bleach (ceramic and metal food dishes can be washed in a dish washer) and rinsed out well to remove any bleash residue.

Also keep in mind that the eggs will usually not be affected (check the individual product to see if it kills the eggs too), so you may need to treat for up to five weeks.