Scratching

[oreo1]

Hi-I’ve noticed my rabbit has been scratching herself more, do they get dry skin in the Winter? If so, any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Madelyn L.]

Has she been scratching all over or in her ears

 

[oreo1]

Both

 

[Madelyn L.]

It could likely be skin and ear mites

 

[Madelyn L.]

Look over her body to see if you see anything crawling around. Check your buns ears to see if you see anything crusty/scabby. If you see any of it then it would very likely be mites. It’s not severely life threatening, but you would need to get her checked out by the vet for antibiotics.

 

[oreo1]

She hasn’t been outside since September-how would she get them?

 

[Madelyn L.]

Hay carries mites, and they can live for weeks on your clothes.

 

[oreo1]

Ugh that’s horrible! We gave her a close inspection and thank goodness didn’t see any mites. Can it be dry skin?

 

[Madelyn L.]

Do you see any thing that looks like dandruff or dry skin?

 

[oreo1]

Not really-one little dry patch

 

[Madelyn L.]

I don’t really don’t know what that is, but I’ll start looking stuff up and try to find out what it is

 

[oreo1]

Thank you

 

[JBun]

If you aren't seeing dandruff, crusting, lesions, or signs of skin irritation, dry skin could be possible though it's not a common thing in rabbits. I would keep an eye on it and if there seem to be signs of fur mites, treat accordingly with the proper antiparasitic(ivermectin or selamectin).

MediRabbit (fur mites in rabbits)

MediRabbit (selamectin dosing info)

 

[oreo1]

Ok thank you

 

[SpaceLeporidae]

Is she about to molt? Mine scratch right before they're about to start blowing their coats.

 

[oreo1]

I don’t know-I feel like she is always shedding.