Random patch of hairlessness–how did it happen?

[Aniqa]

I just noticed my male year-old Holland lop has a patch of hairlessness by his right foot. It’s a pretty big patch right above his foot, in a part of his body I can’t see if he’s sitting up because his body fur covers it up. It’s smooth, almost like it’s been shaved, and it doesn’t seem to hurt him when I touch it (gently). He’s pretty lethargic in general, but that’s not new so I can’t tell if whatever this is is affecting his ability to move around. I’ve attached a couple of pictures.

Anyone know what this might be? I’ll obviously take him to the vet if needed, but I’d like to avoid the costs if it turns out to be no big deal.

[RubyTuesday]

I would contact a vet just to be safe, because bald patches can be very serious.

Much Love.

[Starla]

He could have been born with the hairless spot, meaning it could be genetic. My rabbit has very little hair on the back of her ear, which she has had since I go her as a baby. It could also be a parasite or bacterial infection. However for these causes, your rabbit would most likely have hair loss in other places. Or it could be from the way he sits or lays in his living area that causes his hair to fall out. Most problems that would cause hair loss have other side effects so I would just keep an eye on the bald spot and his behavior/habits. I don’t think there is a reason to go to the vet for this scenario. If your rabbit starts having different behaviors or seems to be bothered by the hair loss area, I would contact a vet. Just check it as much as you can !! Keep track of it. A good way to keep track is to take a picture or more each week so you can notice if the baldness is getting worse or getting better or staying the same!!

Also, feel around the area for lumps. I doubt that is the cause but just feel around when you check his baldness.

[Bam]

Is he molting? Bunnies can molt in patches. Then new hair grow back in the bald spot/spots like fine velvet. The skin should be smooth and uncompromized. If it’s shedding, it’s normal, but you should brush the bun extra so he doesn’t ingest lots of hair (that’s of course always the case when your bun is molting, but especially important for buns that shed in patches).

[Author]

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