Skin disease often causes hair loss. Many skin conditions in rabbits involve parasites and require veterinary treatment. Grooming rabbits regularly helps owners notice skin problems early.
Hutch Burn (Urine Burn or Urine Scald) in Rabbits
Hutch burn, or irritation of the skin from repeated urine exposure, can result from a variety of causes:
wet, dirty flooring
bladder irritation from infections or bladder stones
constant urine leakage from nerve damage, arthritis, and decreased ability to groom in older rabbits
The skin around the anus and genitals becomes inflamed and then infected with bacteria. Brown crusts and secretions from the skin can appear.
Treatment includes keeping the area clean and dry, applying antibacterial ointment prescribed by your pet's vet, and treating any underlying conditions.
Wet Dewlap (Moist Dermatitis) in Rabbits
Female rabbits often have a fold of skin under the chin called a dewlap. If it stays wet from drinking, constant drooling from dental problems, or exposure to damp bedding, the skin can become inflamed and infected. Hair might fall out, and in severe cases flies lay eggs on the damaged skin, which can develop there into adult flies. Sipper bottles with tubes, rather than open bowls of water, can help prevent this problem by decreasing the chance that skin will become wet while the rabbit is drinking.
Sore Hocks in Rabbits
Sore hocks, also called ulcerative pododermatitis, is inflammation affecting the skin on the bottom of the feet, not the actual hock (ankle) joint. Causes include pressure from wire flooring, trauma, dirty housing, obesity, poor mobility, and genetic factors. Heavy breeds are more likely to develop sore hocks from the pressure on their feet. Treatment involves cleaning the sores, applying antibiotics and bandages, and providing soft bedding and solid resting surfaces to take pressure off the bottom of the feet. Severe cases can require x-rays and surgery.
Ringworm in Rabbits
Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin in rabbits. It usually causes patchy hair loss that often starts on the head and can spread. Affected skin can look dry, flaky, and red. Stress, dirty cages, and poor nutrition increase risk. Because ringworm can spread to people and other animals, infected rabbits should be isolated. Treatment usually includes antifungal medicines, shampoos, and creams, plus careful cleaning of the environment to prevent reinfection.
Mites and Fleas in Rabbits
Ear mites cause irritation, thick brown crusts on the ears, scratching, and head shaking. Severe cases can damage both the inner and outer ear and lead to head tilt. Veterinary treatment with medication is effective, but crusts should not be pulled off because this is painful for rabbits and can cause bleeding.
Fur mites, often called “walking dandruff,” live on the skin surface and might look like moving flakes of dandruff. The mites usually cause few signs other than mild annoyance and itching unless the rabbit is stressed or ill. They can mildly irritate people's skin.
Burrowing mange mites are uncommon in rabbits but cause intense itching and can spread to people. Treatment requires veterinarian-prescribed medication plus careful cleaning of the rabbit’s environment.
Fleas can also infest rabbits. Products containing imidacloprid may be used to treat rabbits under veterinary guidance. Products containing fipronil must never be used because they cause death in rabbits. Fleas can spread from rabbits to people and to other animals. Regardless of what product is used to treat fleas, thorough cleanup of living spaces is essential to prevent reinfection.
