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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Mocha’s (my bunny) skin infection

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    • kewlger
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        Hey All,

        Sorry that my first post has to be a question, but my rabbit’s skin condition is weird.  Basically, one week ago my gf and I noticed Mocha had lost all of her fur on her chest (could only see her pink skin).. like all of her chest was bare. We took her to the vet 2 days later and the vet said she had never seen anything like this (she was one of the two rabbit specialists).  She promptly prescribed an antiboitic which we had to feed Mocha every 12 hours, plus an antibacterial cream to apply to the exposed skin (now with small open sores) every 12 hours and Revolution to apply once every month for 3 months.  We started the regimen and applied the first dose of Revolution (has been almost 2 weeks now).  Last week we went back to the vet and we all noticed that the fur on her chest was growing back and seemed to be healing.  However, her legs and the surrounding areas have now expanded! She got better and worse . The vet gave us another antibiotic and now has said that parasites are high on the list.  She has now seemed to have gotten worse again . Chest is fine, but her right leg is very bad now, it has scabbing and open cuts). We’re still giving her antibiotics oral and cream, but are now confused. 

         

        Should the revolution be kicking in by now, I’m worried we didn’t apply it to her skin correctly and mostly to her fur? She has never been outside (unless in her cage), how would she have gotten this? We had 2 mice come into our apartment and they entered close to where Mocha stays (trapped one .. other one might be dead now), would she have gotten it from them? The vet seems pretty sure it wasn’t from the mice.  Should I be disinfecting her cage to kill any parasites that may still be there? I’ll post pics later but her skin on her legs is pretty bad .  Any insight? Sorry for the long post.

         


      • jerseygirl
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          Poor baby. This must be worrying for you guys to see.
          It sounds like your vet is covering a lot of bases.

          Can you tell us a little more about her?
          Her age, intact/desexed, previous health issues etc.

          Do you see her pull out some of the fur herself? The areas are typical of where a rabbit might pull fur out themselves.

          Is the fur in the affected areas already loose?
          If parasitic, the vet could take some of the for from the edge of the bald sites and look under a microscope.

          I think they need to take a skin scraping to check for bacterial or fungal infections.

          I always thought mice could bring fur mite in.


        • kewlger
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            Hi jerseygirl,

            Thanks for your reply!

            Yes, its quite heartbreaking seeing her try to lick her wounds (she is wearing a cone around her head, doctor’s orders so she can’t go at her skin).

            She is about 2.5 years old, not spayed and has had no health issues other than this.  We thought she might be having a false pregnancy, but it was not the case (wishful thinking). She is losing more fur around both her legs now (right one is ay worse) and she has some seroiu scabbing going on.  The vet did two skin scrapes and stated she did not find anything the first or second time.  However, upon seeing her the second time last week, she placed parasites first on the priority list. I’d have to agree just by looking at how fast the fur is disappearing now . She spends all of her time trying to take off the cone and/or link her wounds. I think the first antibiotic worked better. The vet basically told us that she wasn’t sure what it was but did not want to take the chance of it getting worse so she did cover the top 3 bases.  We’re taking her for a follow up tomorrow, going to inquire about whether or not I put the Revolution on properly. Chances are we will be referred to a bunny specialist (someone who deals with bunnies exclusively).

            If I don’t get further clarification by tomorrow night I’ll take some pics. Rabbits heal from skin infections 100% right (from what I’ve read) if treated correctly.

            Oh I forgot to mention, the affected areas have no more fur. You can see her upper front legs, just bare skin. Before you could see her whole chest just bare skin, but the fur is growing back there now but as I’ve said the legs are getting worse and the edges of her chest.


          • jerseygirl
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              So shes only licking at the areas now? just wonder if the legs are an area she can still get to. Or started on because chest had antibiotic so she avoided it.

              Yes, false pregnancy can be cause them to pull fur but they can also do it due to pain. So a self mutilating behaviour. As to the source of pain, that can vary. It may not even relate to the areas a rabbit is attacking. For example, a rabbit with dental pain can chew and pull at its fur.
              The behaviour is sort of a coping mechanism for them.

              Anyway, I hope that’s not what’s going on with your girl.

              Whether parasite or not, maybe ask if safe to start her on low dose of pain med?

              You could always try ivermectin injections though the dose of Revolution she’s had would have to be taken into account.

              Edit to add: I do want to mention this in case you are unaware: Intact Does from about age 3 can develop uterine infections and/or uterine cancers. It is definitely seen in ones younger then this but from age 3 is when the risk really increases and continues to the the older they get. They can also develop mammary tumors.
              Also, some hormonal changes could be a cause for fur loss.


            • Beka27
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                I really do not have anything else to add to what has been said already, but just want to say that I’m thinking of you and I hope you can get this resolved!

                Please keep us posted!


              • kewlger
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                  Hey all,

                  Just got back from the vet again. It was another doctor, but she had seen Mocha the past two visits as well. Nothing new, commented on the fact her chest got better real fast but her legs and around her edges was getting worse. Got referred to an animal hospital specializing in more exotic pets. I may consider giving Mocha a shot which treats parasites, but I’ll have to see what the new doctor says. Hopefully they’ll have answers . Here I took a pic (warning quite graphic).
                  http://i60.tinypic.com/2rqfsi8.jpg

                  As you can see her chest is alot better, used to be all pink before. The scabbing is just normal scabbing after cuts, but her fur is still receding.

                  Thanks again for your support all!


                • Slowebot
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                    Poor baby. I hope the vet can figure out what’s wrong. But I’m glad her chest is getting better. With all the different vet visits and treatments you’ve been trying I can’t imagine your frustration. I also really can’t imagine the cause either since the basics have already been covered. The only thing I could think of was maybe an allergy to something she lays on? The skin on my cat’s belly became irritated when I changed the softener that I wash his blankets with, but even if that was the case it wouldn’t make sense as to why the skin your buns’s legs is getting worse.

                    In your initial post you mentioned maybe cleaning her cage and if you haven’t that might not be a bad idea. Use a gentle cleanser and wipe down the surfaces she lays on often. If it does happen to be a fungal or bacterial infection you’ll want to keep it super clean in her cage while she’s healing so it doesn’t infect her current wounds again.

                    I really do wish you the best!


                  • jerseygirl
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                      The for growing back is looking good. Something is working! : )

                      The only thing I could think of was maybe an allergy to something she lays on?

                      Good thinking Slowbot!

                      Regarding the negative skin scrapings, I did read some types of mites can’t be detected unfortunately. Anyway, its good to see there is some improvement.


                    • Sarita
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                        Another possibility that seems to affect rabbits is sebacious adenitis which is an autoimmune disease.


                      • kewlger
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                          We use no bedding and the cage is standard. I do want to disinfect it.. Can you all please recommend a good cleaner that is safe for rabbits?
                          I am optimistic because she has alot of energy and still loves to eat and is pooping regularly… Hoping for the best. I’ll update you guys on Saturday after I bring her to the next vet. Hopefully I will have good news


                        • RabbitPam
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                            The best cleaner for rabbit cages, litter pans and toys is a 50/50% mix of water and White Vinegar. If you can put it into a spray bottle that’s even better because then it isn’t too much at once. Rinse it all out with clear water after cleaning. It is a natural disinfectant and cleans beautifully. If you have a very soiled section of the cage or litter pan, you can sprinkle a tiny bit of baking soda into the vinegar. It will fizz. Makes a natural abrasive to scrub with, then rinse very well again. It is just as good as any chemical on the market – better in fact.

                            BTW, if you ever need to keep bunny away from something harmful to chew, like baseboards or furniture legs, spray this on it. It will dry, but bunnies do not like the smell of the vinegar (that’s why the good rinse in their habitat) and it deters them.

                            I hope Mocha is better today.


                          • Beka27
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                              I second the recommendation for a water/vinegar mix! I don’t “love” the smell of vinegar, but it works really well and the smell dissipates after a little while.

                              I also use it periodically in the litter box at full strength. I just pour enough to cover the bottom and let it sit for about ten minutes. It eats away at that build-up that happens sometimes. Then I scrub, rinse, and dry the box very well.


                            • kewlger
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                                Hi All,

                                So I went to the vet which specializes in exotic pets, bunnies included. The vet said it did not look like parasites and that her best guess is that her hormones are going crazy right now because she is not spayed. This was my gf’s and I initial reaction, nesting due to fake pregnancy.. only a very, very severe case. Anyways, the vet said we should spay her (said that just under 3 years old was perfectly fine) and that they could gather more accurate samples while she was sedated during the surgery. What do you guys think? The whole procedure will be very expensive because of the two tests the vet wants to do to try to get a clearer pciture as to what type of skin infection she really has (as a result from the the fur pulling) or parasites. Welcome all your insight.


                              • Slowebot
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                                  Well altering your bunny is really recommended just because it saves us humans from raging hormones. It’ll also prevent ovarian cancer in your bun, and as I recall there is an extremely, ridiculously high rate of ovarian cancer in rabbits so definitely go through with the spaying! As for your skin sample, it of course wouldn’t hurt to double check if you can afford it, just in case it wasn’t hormones causing the strange behavior. However if you are short on money and all three of you (you, gf, vet) really sincerely believe it was hormones then it probably isn’t necessary. Especially if she seems to be getting better. But these are all judgement calls you guys will have to make because I can’t see you bunny, see if she’s in pain, and even pictures don’t ever justify real observations there in the moment.

                                  Whatever procedures you do go through with I wish you luck and Mocha safety!


                                • longhairmike
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                                    thats not sebaceous adenitis. it does look like wounds though


                                  • LongEaredLions
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                                      Really, it is recommended to spay rabbits anyway as they have a huge risk of cancer while they remain intact.
                                      I would go for it.


                                    • kewlger
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                                        Thank you all! I’m glad I found this site.

                                        We’re definitely going to get her spayed, however, the gf and I will have to discuss if the three additional tests (I said 2 by accident) are necessary. Her fur has receded a bit more, but she does’nt seem to be getting worse as fast as before. The main thing other than her chest, she isn’t getting much better in terms of skin healing or fur growing. Anyways, I will keep you all updated, thanks again!


                                      • kewlger
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                                          hey all just thought some of you may have wanted an update.

                                          Turns out Mocha is a boy ! ha! the same hospital told me Mocha was a girl when I brought him in 2 years ago, but when they went to spay him the doctor found out he had to netuer him instead.

                                          He’s doing well! Seems really calm now. The fur on his legs is growing back too! some relief there. Also, doesn’t seem to be licking his skin as often anymore when he doesn’t have his cone on. Hopefully it was just a testosterone / hormone thing.


                                        • jerseygirl
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                                            Posted By kewlger on 3/08/2014 9:13 AM
                                            hey all just thought some of you may have wanted an update.

                                            Turns out Mocha is a boy ! ha! the same hospital told me Mocha was a girl when I brought him in 2 years ago, but when they went to spay him the doctor found out he had to netuer him instead.

                                            Wasnt expecting that in your update. Lol
                                            Hope you continue to see improvements.


                                          • BlueMoods
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                                              Well, being trained as a vet tech, though not working as one currently, my first guess with the false pregnancy and nesting, then the hormonal skin issues would be that he had testicular cancer. That secretes the same hormones in males as pregnancy does in females. (In females the hormones come form the placenta). Neutering more than likely cured him, if that was the problem but, I would ask your vet about the possibility. Feel free to use my short explanation of the reason that would be a concern if you want.


                                            • Beka27
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                                                Glad to hear she (WHOOPS!) HE is doing well!!! 🙂

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                                            Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Mocha’s (my bunny) skin infection