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rabbit resque and health concern

22 11:24:36

Question
well i have a pure bread californian and on his back he is starting to loose chunks of hair. it looks like dandruf and where the hair is lost is is already growing back i have about 30 rabbits all mixed breeds and none of the others seem to have the problem so i ruled out weather but i was wondering if you had any ideas on what is is or how to treat it?
The other thing i had a question is about 2 babies who were resqued from a dogs mouth. he killed 4 and i grabbed the 2 i could. they are eating well and seem to be healthy. they are approx 3 weeks old and i got them like 1 week ago. They are being fed alfalfa pellets and milk replacer calf and puppy/rabbit formula. i was just wondering how long i should continue to feed them? Also what should i begin to cut down on and feed more of? They seem to be fine tho and very ppl friendly now.
Thanks for your time

Answer
Dear Ashlee,

Your bunny is most likely suffering from an infestation of fur mites (Cheyletiella sp.).  Fortunately, this is easily and safely treated with Revolution (selamectin), which you can get from your vet.  DO NOT use Frontline, as it can be deadly to rabbits!  Advantage will work against fleas, but not mites.  So you really do need the selamectin.

You can read more information about the treatment and diagnosis of this common problem here:

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

and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If the baby bunnies are doing well, then stay the course.  Puppy milk replacer is not recommended, but changing the diet now might do more harm than good.  I have a long article on how to raise orphaned bunnies here:

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

I think that might help.  If these are wild rabbits, then additional information will be needed, so please let me know if this is the case.

Hope this helps.  Please write back if you need any other information.

Dana