Bald Rabbit

Question
Hi,

I have 2 female rabbits both aged appx. 8 months. White is the larger of the 2 and has been spayed. Brown, the smaller rabbit hasn't been spayed yet as she was too small. A few weeks ago i noticed a small bald patch on top of White's eye, i took her to the vet and she gave her some mite treatment just in case and some antibiotics to clear up the scab that had developed there. The patch didnt clear up but just moved from the top of the eye and is now on the top of her head and getting larger. Around the time the bald patch moved, i noticed that Brown kept licking the patch.  White doesn't seem to be bothered by this and doesnt move away, but she now has an unsightly bald spot on her head about 2cm square! I now think Brown's constant licking is the cause of the baldness and am wondering if its because she hasnt been spayed? Is there anything i can do to stop her licking until she is big enough to be speyed, or do you think there could be any other cause for the baldness?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Dear Liz,

It sounds as if one of the bunnies is over-grooming the other.  This can be a sign of boredom, and sexual frustration can contribute to this.  Also, unspayed, unbred females have a very high risk of uterine cancer.  Please see:

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

In case this is a case of abnormal fur loss (e.g. mites or ringworm fungus), you can read more here:

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

I hope that helps for starters.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana