Crusties on face

[PipTheBunbun]

A few weeks ago we found this adorable abandoned rabbit in one of our old farm yards. I couldn’t leave him for the foxes to eat so we brought him home and put him in a large covered enclosure. He seems fairly happy, bouncing around, eating lots, let’s my kids and I pet him and is now digging elaborate tunnels! A few days ago I noticed a little scabby crusty spot above his nose. At first I thought he scratched himself on something with all of the digging he does or is scratching at a mosquito bite (they are always after him unfortunately) but it seems to be growing. I know I should take him to the vet but that’s over an hour away and I have three small children so it would be a lot of work, but I will if I have to. I am worried about this rabbit syphilis or mites?? What do you all think?! And is it safe for myself and my children to be petting him? (Not touching the spot of course) and I can’t check his/ her (we don’t know) genitals because he doesn’t like to be picked up and I don’t want to scare or hurt him.

[Azerane]

Mites on rabbits doesn’t generally present as scabs, more often hair loss, dandruff and itchy, most commonly around the ears at first.

My first thought had been syphillis, but there are potentially other causes of course. Treatment I believe is specific types of penicillin which of course requires a vet visit along with disinfecting his hutch etc. Can you take a picture of the scab and upload it here?

[jerseygirl]

Since he was a bun on the loose, it would be worthwhile treating him with Revolution regardless, This will treat a few different things (fur and ear mite, fleas, ticks, but it should also give a bit of protection from the mosquitos too. If he is housed outdoors, can you mosquito proof the habitat more? Or even better, bring him indoors? Avoid using any products that contain Fipronil as this is toxic for rabbits.

I don’t think it would hurt you or the kids by touching him. The only thing that comes to mind that might be transferred is ringworm. From your description, the lesion sounds more like mange (scabies) or rabbit syphilis.

[jerseygirl]

Seeing the photo now, it looks rather like a scrape that is healing up. Does he put his nose under wire bar or wood or anything?
A friend of mine with a trio of rabbits all got weird spots on their noses at the same time. It turned out some food had been spilt just out of their reach and they kept trying to get at it, scraping the fur off their nose against the fencing.

[PipTheBunbun]

Thanks for the reply! I originally thought it was just a scrape from digging. He digs elaborate tunnels and comes across roots and sticks and rocks and all kinds of treasures but then it seemed to be getting bigger, but maybe just another scratch. I am glad that you think it is just a scratch after seeing the picture. I will keep a close eye on it and take him to the vet if it seems to be growing or spreading.

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