Large bald spot on nursing doe’s stomach

[CrazyChickenGirl]

My Holland Lop doe Opal had a litter of 7 kits (who are now 7 weeks old), and today I noticed she had a large bald spot on her stomach. What is it? Should I be worried? Could it just be molting? She doesn’t have a bunch of loose fur over anywhere else on her body and her stomach fur doesn’t come off easily like it would if it was just a large molt patch.

Edit: I just noticed my phone auto corrected from “nursing” to “nursery” in the title. If a mod could fix that it’d be appreciated.

 

[dogwoodblossoms]

I'm guessing you've checked for mites and fleas. I don't think it would be from nursing since babies should be weaned by now?
It's been pretty humid here in New York which can lead to bacterial skin infections.
This is an article from one of my favorite sources that explains a variety of things that could be going on.
Disorders and Diseases of Rabbits - All Other Pets - MSD Veterinary Manual

 

[JBun]

Are you sure it's not just from the kits nursing causing it to rub off? Does the skin look normal and pink, or are there any signs of dandruff or scaly skin?

 

[Preitler]

I too think it's from nursing since it's really distinct around the nipples, as long as the skin looks healthy I wouldn't worry too much. She might have started with pulling a lot of fur there too.
The kits most likely aren't weaned yet. Depending on the doe and her mood they can nurse much longer (funny sight when they are so big that rabbit parts stick out of the nestbox in every direction )

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

Thank you for the all the help everyone!

Are you sure it's not just from the kits nursing causing it to rub off? Does the skin look normal and pink, or are there any signs of dandruff or scaly skin?

Yes, the skin looks healthy. That’s a relief.

I too think it's from nursing since it's really distinct around the nipples, as long as the skin looks healthy I wouldn't worry too much. She might have started with pulling a lot of fur there too.
The kits most likely aren't weaned yet. Depending on the doe and her mood they can nurse much longer (funny sight when they are so big that rabbit parts stick out of the nestbox in every direction )

Yeah, that can be hilarious.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

I'm guessing you've checked for mites and fleas. I don't think it would be from nursing since babies should be weaned by now?
It's been pretty humid here in New York which can lead to bacterial skin infections.
This is an article from one of my favorite sources that explains a variety of things that could be going on.
Disorders and Diseases of Rabbits - All Other Pets - MSD Veterinary Manual

I’ll definitely read those links.

 

[Moonshadow]

Thank you for the all the help everyone!

Yes, the skin looks healthy. That’s a relief.

Yeah, that can be hilarious.

I too think it's from nursing since it's really distinct around the nipples, as long as the skin looks healthy I wouldn't worry too much. She might have started with pulling a lot of fur there too.
The kits most likely aren't weaned yet. Depending on the doe and her mood they can nurse much longer (funny sight when they are so big that rabbit parts stick out of the nestbox in every direction )

I'd love to see a photo of the kits sticking out everywhere while nursing if you guys have any. It sounds hilarious to look at

 

[dogwoodblossoms]

I too think it's from nursing since it's really distinct around the nipples, as long as the skin looks healthy I wouldn't worry too much. She might have started with pulling a lot of fur there too.
The kits most likely aren't weaned yet. Depending on the doe and her mood they can nurse much longer (funny sight when they are so big that rabbit parts stick out of the nestbox in every direction )

Weird! My does never nurse past 6 weeks. Maybe it's per the breed.

 

[Preitler]

I've had does nurse up to 14 weeks, but they don't do that every time. I think most times they wean between 10-12 weeks. It does look more like a social act at the end anyway.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

I'd love to see a photo of the kits sticking out everywhere while nursing if you guys have any. It sounds hilarious to look at

Next time I see them do it I’ll try to get a picture.