My rabbit is scratching its ears, neck, and chin. What's wrong?

This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Mites would be the most common reason for scratching, mites cannot be seen with the naked eye at all (only under the microscope). you might want to take him to the vet in order to get a treatment for mites.

Thanks for reaching out about Thumper and including a photo. Rabbits are meticulous groomers but mites are often microscopic. If scabs are observed, a veterinary visit is recommended for diagnostics. Good luck.

Without getting a sample (a swab or a scraping) from the skin it's tough to say exactly what might be going on with Opie's skin. Your veterinarian would probably take a sample and evaluate it under a microscope to see whether there might be bacteria or yeast present. If the swab showed yeast or bacteria that would likely indicate that Opie has a skin infection. There are other things that can cause red skin lesions such as insect bites, allergic reactions, and even a fungal infection called ringworm (this is a fungus, not an actual worm despite the name). It does look like Opie has licked off a fair amount of fur, which can signal that Opie is itchy. your veterinarian, in addition to treating the source of the skin lesions would likely also place an e-collar to prevent him from licking at the site and would probably prescribe a medication for itch. I hope I could be of help!

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.

Hello, and thank you for your question. The skin lesions may be due to a bacterial infection, fungal infection, parasites such as mites, or an ear infection. I am glad to hear you will be taking Charlie to the vet soon. They may recommend performing some tests such as an ear swab to check for infection, or a skin scraping or cytology. Based on the results, the appropriate treatment can be prescribed. For example, if an ear infection is confirmed, ear drops or oral antibiotics may be needed. If mites are found, then topical monthly drops will help to clear the parasites. In the meantime, keep their environment clean and remove soiled bedding daily. Also ensure they are eating a good quality diet consisting of mostly timothy, and a small amount of pellets, and leafy green veggies. I hope this helps, and that Charlie feels better soon!

This could be caused by intense itch. In these cases allergies, mites infestation, or other skin parasites and bacterial dermatitis could be suspected. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately.