Help!!! :( Not sure what is wrong with my rabbit

[dawncym]

Hi all,

I recently bought my 2nd rabbit, Potato and she was born on 20th September. Our first rabbit, Taro, was about a year old when we introduced Potato to the cage.

When we first introduced them to each other, we kept keen observations on their interactions and behavior to make sure that the older one wouldn't bully the younger one and that there wouldn't be aggressive behavior.

After watching them closely for a while, it appeared that Taro was just avoiding Potato at all cost but didn't bother with her or attack her. Potato on the other hand would follow Taro every where and snuggle up next to her whenever possible much to Taro's annoyance.

Over time, as Potato grew older, we concluded that the two of them could get along and everything was fine. However, recently, I noticed this indistinct patch on Potato's head which I cannot seem to understand. I'm not sure if it's dried blood or exposed skin or a scar or infection but I believe that it is due to a bite from Taro. I am not sure if the thing protruding out might be a bone. I also noticed that her eyelids are pinkish/red.

I am really worried about Potato and I really wish to find out what's wrong... Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Please help!!

Thank you.

 

[PaGal]

I can't make out what it could be by the photo but a trip to the vet would solve the mystery.

Although the buns may have seemed to get along in the beginning your new bun was young. She is getting older and her hormones will be kicking in if they haven't already. When the hormones kick in bunnies can become aggressive. If the buns are fighting they should be separated as fights do lead to injuries and can lead to death as well.

It is best to keep buns separated until they are a little older and both have been spayed and then slowly introduce them to each other. Not all buns will get along though.

 

[dawncym]

Hi PaGal, thanks so much for replying so quickly! It's really appreciated.

I do intend to take her to the vet soon but in the meantime is there anything I can do like buy any common topical creams or sprays from the pet store and apply it on the wound? It is not wet but maybe it will help the healing?

They seem alright now and they seem to get along :/ I don't really get why Potato would still like Taro so much keep going to her. She's being very affectionate towards Taro even though it's likely that Taro had attacked her.

By the way do you happen to know if Potato's pinkish eyelid is normal?

 

[ladysown]

What does the bump feel like? squishy? hard? He may have a bit of an abscess in there. Requiring it be lanced, cleaned and them time to heal.

 

[Magick_mogwai]

I would defiantly take Potato (what an adorable name by the way) to the vets. My vet told me when Gandalf had an accident that infections in rabbits can out like fingers of infection out into surrounding tissue meaning lancing can leave infection there. If you think it could be infection the sooner it's looked at the better.

 

[FreezeNkody]

Could be that your older bun over grooms her. Bit you just don't catch it because bunnies are cheeky. This happened to my female bun. Her partner was licking her non stop and she got a bald spot. Vet told me it was a parasite but I didn't believe him. After I have them more things to play with, the bald spot went away. I also set up a game cam in the room to catch the action.

 

[JBun]

Is your older rabbit spayed?

As others mentioned, it could be from fighting or grooming. If there is a lump or wound, it will need vet attention. Are you seeing any tufts of fur on the ground or have you ever seen Taro humping Potato? The wound or bald spot could also be caused by humping. Rabbits will grab on to the other rabbit with their teeth, when they are doing it.

Over grooming is also a possibility, but not so much if there is a wound there. It's also possible the red eye is due to over grooming.

But without being there to see the bald spot or see your rabbits behavior, it's hard to know exactly what is going on. I would suggest sitting with your rabbits when they are together, to see what is going on during their interactions. Also try and get a better look at the bald spot to determine if there is a wound there and/or an actual lump. If there is an actual small open wound, you can put a tiny bit of plain Neosporin(no pain reliever or other additives) on it to help with healing.