Male Bunny Bald Patch

[CaliforniaBun]

I have 2 Male bunnies Benny and Jasper, they are both neutered and are fully out of the cage whenever we are home and in a large pen when we are at work and overnight- they sleep apart in 2 separate areas and cannot access each other.

2 days ago we noticed a large bald patch on Jaspers chest (please see attached images). It is light pink and does not look inflamed in any way. He will allow us to touch it and doesn't seem to have discomfort from it. I have not noticed any excessive grooming to that area on his part or by Benny (they groom each other and are very friendly). They have also never had a fight.

Jasper is 9 months old, and half lop. Both bunnies are currently molting. I have not seen anything like this with Benny who is 2 years old while molting and have not noticed any other bare patches on Jasper.

Does anyone know what this could be? I called our vet and they told us to wait about a week and see what happens before we bring him in but I am nervous and want to make sure we don't let things get bad if this could be serious.

 

[katiecrna]

I would take the vets advice and just wait and see. Keep a close eye on his behavior for any changes though.

 

[JBun]

Some rabbits can molt to the point of having bald patches. It could also be a grooming issue. As long as the skin isn't flaky or inflamed/irritated, I would just keep an eye on it. If it's just molting, you should start seeing fuzz growing back in a few weeks.

If it's a grooming issue, excessive grooming by a rabbit can be signs of stress. Your rabbits sound like they are bonded if they are together during the day. Is there a reason you separate at night? Separation anxiety can be one reason a rabbit might excessively groom or pluck fur.

 

[CaliforniaBun]

Thank you for your responses! I will try to wait and hope that it grows back.

We only keep them separate at night because Jasper hops out of the pen (it doesn't have a top) and since we have carpet he can be quite destructive when not watch. We are using some fabric now to cover the pen and keep them in it together over night to hopefully address any anxiety from separation.

 

[ladysown]

the other rabbit may well be doing this to him.