Hurting rabbit

My bun penny · Jun 25, 2021

My bunny penny just turned about 2 and for that few months I've had the issue of her chewing on just her chest, so much so it's to the point it creating open sores and wounds. I'd heal one and she'd make another. The vet said to take away her cat friend but that stressed her out she's digs at herself so hard and there's no cones for bunnies. She can escape any sock or sweater I put her in to block access. But other than that she acts normal, very food motivated, active. Pls help I have no idea what to do

JBun · Jun 25, 2021

Has the vet checked the skin for mites, or a bacterial or fungal infection? Was a skin scrape or skin biopsy done? Were any xrays or blood tests done? Is your rabbit spayed? A rabbit paying too much attention to one particular spot on their body, can be an indication there is a problem with the skin irritating them, or an underlying medical condition inside their body in that area, that is causing them discomfort or pain.

If possible medical issues are ruled out, there are some instances where rabbits will self mutilate due to boredom, sexual frustration in unfixed rabbits, genetics, or some other unknown cause. If it's a behavioral issue that can't be fixed with increased activity or spaying her if she's not already spayed, then medication may be needed to help calm the behavior. If your vet isn't a knowledgeable rabbit vet, I would suggest finding a more experienced rabbit vet to take your rabbit to.

Medirabbit (self mutilation)

http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Self-mutilation
https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/

My bun penny · Jun 25, 2021

Thank you! I had initially ruled out self mutilation because it's just her chest and I thought that if it was that kind of behavioral problem it would be her whole body. I'll look into different vets and look at spaying her. Shes a rescue bunny so I don't have a medical background

Diane R · Jun 25, 2021

It is also possible that there is a dental issue which causes drooling. The acidity of the saliva irritates the skin. Take her to a good rabbit vet for a dental check.

My bun penny · Jun 25, 2021

Would there be any certain signs to look for? Her chin.or.anything.is never wet from what I can tell and her teeth look healthy. She still loves chewing on everything and will.even.let me pet her jaw and whatnot???????????

Diane R · Jun 25, 2021

My bun penny said:
Would there be any certain signs to look for? Her chin.or.anything.is never wet from what I can tell and her teeth look healthy. She still loves chewing on everything and will.even.let me pet her jaw and whatnot???????????

Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms. It could be that she bothers her chest area because her skin is sore rather than the soreness being caused by the chewing. You can't look at the molars yourself, you need a rabbit vet.