Rabbits with Alopecia

Let's talk about rabbits with alopecia. Alopecia is a medical term for hair loss. In rabbits alopecia often occurs as a sign that the rabbit has another health disorder. Occasionally, alopecia is the only problem. This article will discuss alopecia in rabbits, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Alopecia may seem to appear suddenly or you may notice the hair loss occurring slowly. The symptoms of alopecia are obviously hair loss. The hair loss may be like balding or it may be less severe. It can also occur in different patterns. All rabbits are equally susceptible to alopecia, there isn't a certain breed, sex, or age that gets alopecia more than others.

Most cases of alopecia are related to infections or illnesses that can disrupt a rabbit's hair follicles. Alopecia can be a symptom of bacterial infections, parasitic infections, dietary deficiencies, tumors, or sometimes it is a condition that isn't related to anything else.

Alopecia that isn't a symptom can be it's on condition or it may be a part of a rabbit's shedding process. Occasionally, hair loss in rabbits as well as guinea pigs can be barbering. Barbering occurs when you have multiple pets in one cage and there is conflict. The dominant rabbit will actually pull out or chew on the submissive rabbit's hair creating hair loss.

If your rabbit has hair loss, take them to a veterinarian that can determine what is causing the hair loss. A veterinarian can perform skin biopsies as well as blood and urine tests. Depending on the diagnosis, there are different treatments available. Medications will be prescribed in most cases. If barbering is the cause of hair loss, you will have to train your rabbits or the best solution is to separate them.

If you want to try to prevent hair loss or many other illnesses that rabbits can get make sure your rabbit has a clean cage and eats a well-balanced nutritional diet.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.