Self mutilation

Question
My daughters rabbit, a male lop bunny has been demonstrating unusual behavior in the past 6 weeks. Beany started chewing at her neck until the fur was gone and the skin was raw. She saw a  vet and following a treatment of antibiotics and cream there seemed to be some improvement. Several weeks later, she began the chewing again until the affected area was quite deep and required stiches. Can you explain this behavior and the recommended treatment? My daughter is frantic with worry!:( Thanks Leslie

Answer
Dear Leslie,

If the problem area is under the chin, then the very likely explanation (especially in a lop rabbit) is molar spurs or other dental problem causing the bunny to drool.  Saliva is caustic, and when it collects under the chin it will burn the skin and cause nasty itching. Some bunnies react more violently than others, biting at their own flesh until it's raw and open.

I would recommend that you use the list linked here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find a vet who is more familiar with rabbit medicine, and who can look deep into the mouth with an otoscope to find any problem teeth (sometimes the problems are subtle, but enough to cause drooling and the problem you see).  The bunny may need to be lightly anesthetized with isoflurane for a good molar filing, but it's worth it.

Please read:

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

for more information.  You also can read about other causes of abnormal fur loss in rabbits, their causes and treatments, here:

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

I hope this helps!

Dana