A rabbit that loses a lot of hair can sometimes cause panic in novice, inexperienced rabbit owners. The hair is sometimes even spread out in the cage or when you pet the rabbit, large clumps of hair stick to your hands. A bald spot here or there is also a regular occurrence. However, you usually do not have to worry and it is just normal hair loss during the molting period, when the rabbit grows a new coat. However, hair loss can also indicate an illness or condition. For example, allergies, various types of mites or fungal infections can also cause hair loss. That is why it is useful to recognize the difference between the two forms of hair loss. How can you determine whether it is just normal molting or a more serious cause such as fur mites?
The diagnosis of fur mites
Fur mites can often be recognized by the bald spots and loose hairs that come off very easily. Not every rabbit with bald spots has fur mites, so it is important to take your rabbit to the vet if he/she suddenly has bald spots. There may also be other causes that make your rabbit maintain its coat less well. For example, dental problems or pain.
Rabbits often suffer from itching and scratch themselves open. Scratching causes wounds and the bald spots can become larger and larger. Scratching causes scales to come loose and it will look like your rabbit has dandruff. In addition, the coat can also become paler in the places where the mite is located. In some cases, Cheyletiella is not the cause of the bald spots, but another mite is the cause. This mite causes bald skin without scales. This mite ensures that the hair follicles are affected, resulting in hair loss. This mite is mainly found on the neck, back and stomach. Your rabbit’s skin is bald and the hair falls out in clumps. There may be itching, but this is not always the case. A mite infection is very contagious. Therefore, treat all animals in the house, even if they do not all show symptoms yet. In addition, it is very important to clean the enclosure very well (at least twice a week), to replace the bedding and to clean the floor and walls of the enclosure and the toys and the food and water bowls in it very well. It is best to throw away wooden toys and buy new ones in their place.
