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My rabbit has bald patches, dandruff, and is itching. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered

Binky has had a bald patch since 5-7 days. Today when I looked carefully, I saw dandruff like things on the bald patch. Please suggest any kind of medicine which I must apply. Also I have bonded bunnies so should I apply the medicine to the other bunny as well? Both of them itch themselves and sometimes they try to itch their ears and shake them. There is no crust or anything in their ears. And I tried to separate them but he did not take the cage thing very well so I put them together again.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 18th, 2018

Binky may be suffering from mites, as may your other rabbit. Patchy fur loss with flaking along the rabbit's back is typical for the mite Cheyletiella parasitovorax, Your veterinarian may examine a sticky tape preparation or skin scraping under the microscope for the presence of mites, however, might sometimes not find any, even though they are present on the rabbit. Mites are usually eradicated easily. Classic treatment is with injectable or oral ivermectin, or a selamectin spot on given in treatments two weeks apart. As mites live in the environment of your rabbit, it is essential to thoroughly clean your rabbit's cage and disinfect areas after each treatment to control reinfestation, since fur and dander in the environment may contain mite eggs. You will need to treat all rabits in your household.
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My rabbit is losing fur and has flaky skin on its back. Why?
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My rabbit has fur loss, flaky skin, and irritation. What should I do?
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