Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can happen in most animals with hair. It can involve complete or partial fur loss and can happen quite quickly or progress over a longer period of time. In rabbits, fur loss can be normal, but it’s usually a sign that there’s a problem. In this article we cover everything you need to know about fur loss in rabbits.

What Are the Signs of Fur Loss in Rabbits?

Fur loss in rabbits can manifest in various ways, ranging from small bald spots to larger, more extensive areas of baldness. If your rabbit is experiencing hair loss, you may observe tufts of fur in their enclosure, during playtime, or even around your home. Additionally, finding strands of hair in their droppings can be a concerning sign.

In more severe cases, excessive fur ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as intestinal blockages. This condition can become life-threatening, so if you notice your rabbit exhibiting signs of distress, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty defecating, contact your veterinarian immediately.

It's important to understand that a bald or balding rabbit requires veterinary attention. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of the fur loss. Potential reasons can include parasitic infections, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or stress-related issues. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to ensure your rabbit's health and well-being. 

Moreover, pay close attention to your rabbit's environment and behaviour. Stressors such as changes in their living situation, the introduction of new pets, or loud noises can contribute to fur loss. By maintaining a stable, calm environment and providing a balanced diet, you can help minimize stress and promote a healthy coat. Regular grooming also aids in reducing shedding and fur ingestion, making it a beneficial practice for both you and your furry friend.

What Are the Causes of Alopecia in Rabbits?

There are various conditions and diseases than can cause abnormal growth of a rabbit’s coat. Physiological reasons, like stress, can also be triggers.

Common conditions like ringworm (a fungal infection), fleas, ear mites and fur mites can cause bald patches to appear. If your rabbit gets scratched from fighting, bitten or gets burnt, viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic skin infections can develop, leading to your rabbit losing fur too. Other less common causes include autoimmune disorders, poor diet, tumours, side effects from medication, and heavy moulting.

Physiological causes of losing fur include pregnant females pulling hair from their dewlap and stomach, hair chewing, also known as barbering, and overgrooming. You may be wondering why rabbits pull out their own fur? If you see your rabbit pulling fur out, it’s likely they’re pregnant. Pregnant females do this to build a nest, especially if there isn’t any other nesting material for them to build a nest.

Female rabbits may also pull out their fur if they’re stressed. Female rabbits with a false pregnancy (pseudopregnancy) are also known to exhibit this behaviour too. Compulsive hair chewing and overgrooming are often caused by stress. If your bunny is ill, isn’t getting enough fibre in their diet are getting bullied, etc could all cause stress.

Don’t confuse any of these with normal shedding. Naturally a rabbit sheds their fur twice a year. During these periods your rabbit will gradually moult their full haircoat. Your bunny may look like it has patches of thinner or missing fur, this is normal, so don’t panic!

Normally the pattern of natural moulting starts at the tip of their nose, followed by the muzzle, neck and back. This is then followed by the flanks and lastly their tummy. At these times of year, it’s a good idea to groom them more regularly to help get rid of any old loose hair. This will help prevent hairballs and skin problems from developing.

How is It Diagnosed?

Your vet will give your rabbit a thorough physical examination. If the cause of their fur loss isn’t obvious, like visible fleas, they’ll need to do some tests. Samples of skin can be taken (a skin scraping) for examination under the microscope. This test can identify fleas, lice, rabbit mites, fungus, bacteria, and yeasts.

Other tests like blood and urine tests and x-rays may help diagnose an autoimmune disorder, cancer, or other internal causes.

What Treatments Are Available for Fur Loss?

Luckily, there are plenty of treatments available to treat fur loss, so your bunny will soon be on the mend and their fur will soon grow back.

If parasites are the cause, your rabbit will be prescribed some antiparasitic medication. Your vet may review their diet, environment, and general husbandry to identify the cause of any behavioural reasons behind your rabbit’s hair loss.

Surgery may be needed if your rabbit has a tumour. If a wound, hormones, or an autoimmune condition are the cause, your rabbit will need treatment until they’re feeling better. Once the underlying cause has been treated, their fur should quickly start to grow back.

How Can I Prevent My Rabbit from Losing Hair?

Firstly, making sure your rabbit isn’t stressed, is happy, healthy, and content in their surroundings, should be top of your list. Making sure they have plenty of space, environmental enrichment and company will help with their overall wellbeing.

While house rabbits are less likely to pick up any diseases from outdoor visitors, it's still essential to check them regularly. And whether your rabbit is indoors, or outside, make sure their housing is always clean and dry to prevent any problems with parasites.

A healthy high fibre diet supplemented with fresh greens will also help give them a strong immune system to fight off disease. Additionally, a healthy, fibre-rich diet helps prevent other issues such as dental problems.

Regular grooming, particularly when they’re moulting, and even more so with long-haired breeds, is essential! Annual check-ups are also vital to help identify, and any prevent any potential health problems. While getting their annual jabs to prevent myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease, your vet can also give them a thorough check over. This will identify any potential issues before they start causing real problems.

Prevention is the name of the game! Be one step ahead… make sure your rabbit is kept in a healthy environment, check them over regularly and keep on top of grooming. Regular veterinary checks and routine healthcare will ensure your bunny avoids any of the issues associated with fur loss.

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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