• Forum/Server Upgrade If you are reading this you have made it to the upgraded forum. Posts made on the old forum after 26th October 2023 have not been transfered. Everything else should be here. If you find any issues please let us know.

  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

    You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.

    We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.

    Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.

Pipes fur pulling. Thought we'd cracked it, but no we haven't!

Mervinius

Mervinius

Mama Doe
Hello

So Pip our Netherland Dwarf decided to worry me again last night, on my birthday!

She has always pulled the fur out right under her chin every 4-6 weeks! Then she gets gas and she won't eat and often stasis occurs.
We thought it may have been her diet giving her gas, which causes her to pull her fur as a way of showing us she's in pain.

Anyway you have all been really helpful with their diet and they are both now eating way more hay and a huge amount of poops are being created! They are on 30g of pellets which we split into 3 portions they have oodles of hay and then a few dried forage leaves in the evening.

So two nights ago I noticed her pulling again so stopped her. I thought that was it but she obviously carried on whilst I was sleeping! She is bald under her chin now but you can only see if when she is stretching up like a meerkat!

Her fur had only just grown back from the last pulling episode. The vets think it's behavioural, a learnt behaviour.
I don't think she's bored cos she only does it for two days every 4-6 weeks.
She is spayed and eats the fur so she's not nesting.
It's not wet so can't be a dental thing.

Luckily last night we noticed straight away that she was uncomfortable so I made her hop around and gave her a tasty dandelion leaf to check she was eating. She was then totally normal all night and is definitely pooping so I'm not worried now.

But why is she pulling her fur and how on earth do I stop her?????

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
Hello

So Pip our Netherland Dwarf decided to worry me again last night, on my birthday!

She has always pulled the fur out right under her chin every 4-6 weeks! Then she gets gas and she won't eat and often stasis occurs.
We thought it may have been her diet giving her gas, which causes her to pull her fur as a way of showing us she's in pain.

Anyway you have all been really helpful with their diet and they are both now eating way more hay and a huge amount of poops are being created! They are on 30g of pellets which we split into 3 portions they have oodles of hay and then a few dried forage leaves in the evening.

So two nights ago I noticed her pulling again so stopped her. I thought that was it but she obviously carried on whilst I was sleeping! She is bald under her chin now but you can only see if when she is stretching up like a meerkat!

Her fur had only just grown back from the last pulling episode. The vets think it's behavioural, a learnt behaviour.
I don't think she's bored cos she only does it for two days every 4-6 weeks.
She is spayed and eats the fur so she's not nesting.
It's not wet so can't be a dental thing.

Luckily last night we noticed straight away that she was uncomfortable so I made her hop around and gave her a tasty dandelion leaf to check she was eating. She was then totally normal all night and is definitely pooping so I'm not worried now.

But why is she pulling her fur and how on earth do I stop her?????

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Has the Vet suggested a blood test to ascertain what her oestrogen levels are like ? One possibility is that some ovarian tissue was left behind when she was spayed. Ovarian tissue produces oestrogen and could result in pseudopregnancies. Retained ovarian tissue can also become cystic, see 'complications,limitations/risks on here:

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00...Indiv_TechniquesRabbit/Ovariohysterectomy.htm



Another possibility is a problem with the adrenal gland, although this is rare it can occur.

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-10/sexhormones.html

Pain is another possible cause of fur pulling, as you have mentioned. What is her poo output like and does she ever have a mucky bum (from uneaten caecotrophs) ?
 
Hi. The vets haven't suggested anything else, because they think it's just a learnt behaviour and that she'll always do it. They don't think it's anything medical. They just said to keep monitoring her.

I did wonder about hormone imbalances etc, but because she actually eats the fur rather than nesting I wasn't sure if it could be that.

She has never had a mucky bum and her poops are big round and golden! She is currently stuffing her face with hay.

She has tried to pull her fur a bit today but stops when I tell her.



Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
Hi. The vets haven't suggested anything else, because they think it's just a learnt behaviour and that she'll always do it. They don't think it's anything medical. They just said to keep monitoring her.

I did wonder about hormone imbalances etc, but because she actually eats the fur rather than nesting I wasn't sure if it could be that.

She has never had a mucky bum and her poops are big round and golden! She is currently stuffing her face with hay.

She has tried to pull her fur a bit today but stops when I tell her.



Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Personally I want a Rabbit Savvy Vet to look into the possibility of her having a higher than normal (for a spayed Doe) oestrogen level.
 
I can ask my vet to do one, two of the vets have rabbits themselves and seem very savvy. If they aren't keen I can try someone else. Do they just take a blood test? She has had two last year when she went into stasis would they have checked it then? Although that was at the emergency vets

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
I can ask my vet to do one, two of the vets have rabbits themselves and seem very savvy. If they aren't keen I can try someone else. Do they just take a blood test? She has had two last year when she went into stasis would they have checked it then? Although that was at the emergency vets

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

That would not include checking hormone levels. The Vet would need to specifically request this from the Vet Lab.
 
Jack's-Jane said:
That would not include checking hormone levels. The Vet would need to specifically request this from the Vet Lab.
Click to expand...
OK I thought not. I'm guessing I can just ask them to run one? Would it be better to take her when she is pulling fur or wait till she's stopped. Neither of them like travelling in the car and I don't like giving them extra stress :-(

Also if she does have a imbalance what do we do?

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
OK I thought not. I'm guessing I can just ask them to run one? Would it be better to take her when she is pulling fur or wait till she's stopped. Neither of them like travelling in the car and I don't like giving them extra stress :-(

Also if she does have a imbalance what do we do?

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I would give the Vet a call and hopefully he/she will discuss things over the phone first. If the Vet is not able/willing to carry out any diagnostics perhaps you could request a referral to a Specialist ?

It is running rather too far ahead to start thinking of treatment options when as yet you do not know if there is a physiological problem as no tests have been done to rule them out. If (and I emphasise the 'if') she were to have a higher than normal oestrogen level then there would be some options to address the situation, including the use of a hormone implant.

http://www.virbacferretsusa.com/about-suprelorinf-implant

Three of my Rabbits have had the implants due to hypersexual behaviour caused by Adrenal Disease. It was recommended by an Exotics Specialist based in Kent x
 
Yep. I'll give them a call and see what they say. Yes I know it's too early to think of treatments. I just meant can it be treated.

I am sorry 3 of yours had to have implants. Did yours pull their fur too?

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
Yep. I'll give them a call and see what they say. Yes I know it's too early to think of treatments. I just meant can it be treated.

I am sorry 3 of yours had to have implants. Did yours pull their fur too?

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

They were all neutered Bucks and they behaved like a manic entire Buck, humping their partners endlessly, spraying and generally existing in a state of frustration. This sometimes led to stress induced GI tract problems.One of the Bucks did fur pull, both from himself and from his partner.
 
Mervinius said:
Hello

So Pip our Netherland Dwarf decided to worry me again last night, on my birthday!

She has always pulled the fur out right under her chin every 4-6 weeks! Then she gets gas and she won't eat and often stasis occurs.
We thought it may have been her diet giving her gas, which causes her to pull her fur as a way of showing us she's in pain.

Anyway you have all been really helpful with their diet and they are both now eating way more hay and a huge amount of poops are being created! They are on 30g of pellets which we split into 3 portions they have oodles of hay and then a few dried forage leaves in the evening.

So two nights ago I noticed her pulling again so stopped her. I thought that was it but she obviously carried on whilst I was sleeping! She is bald under her chin now but you can only see if when she is stretching up like a meerkat!

Her fur had only just grown back from the last pulling episode. The vets think it's behavioural, a learnt behaviour.
I don't think she's bored cos she only does it for two days every 4-6 weeks.
She is spayed and eats the fur so she's not nesting.
It's not wet so can't be a dental thing.

Luckily last night we noticed straight away that she was uncomfortable so I made her hop around and gave her a tasty dandelion leaf to check she was eating. She was then totally normal all night and is definitely pooping so I'm not worried now.

But why is she pulling her fur and how on earth do I stop her?????

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


Hi Mervinius and I see your Pip is causing trouble again!!

I have had this 'learned behaviour' with one of my rabbits. He never left the area alone! The thing is, once the patch is sensitised, they go back and go back and keep chewing.

I had the vet do a biopsy, and he had all sorts of blood tests and all came be back totally normal.

I spent hours and hours on the Internet (this is years ago) researching on his behalf, and eventually with vet's approval, used a special cream on it. Over a short period of time it desensitised and he lived perfectly normally for the rest of his life.

Good luck xx
 
Oh poor bunnies. I'm glad they are OK now. Thanks for your advice. I'll give the vet a call. I'm sure they'll just want me to bring her in. :)

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
MightyMax said:
Hi Mervinius and I see your Pip is causing trouble again!!

I have had this 'learned behaviour' with one of my rabbits. He never left the area alone! The thing is, once the patch is sensitised, they go back and go back and keep chewing.

I had the vet do a biopsy, and he had all sorts of blood tests and all came be back totally normal.

I spent hours and hours on the Internet (this is years ago) researching on his behalf, and eventually with vet's approval, used a special cream on it. Over a short period of time it desensitised and he lived perfectly normally for the rest of his life.

Good luck xx
Click to expand...
Hi mighty max. Yep she is trying to stress me out! I have indeed spent a lot of time googling!

Whats odd is it isn't everyday so it doesn't get sore or itchy. It's like she just doesn't like it there so pulls it out! When she has happily trimmed it off she leaves it alone till its fully grown again.

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
Hi mighty max. Yep she is trying to stress me out! I have indeed spent a lot of time googling!

Whats odd is it isn't everyday so it doesn't get sore or itchy. It's like she just doesn't like it there so pulls it out! When she has happily trimmed it off she leaves it alone till its fully grown again.

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


And you're sure there's no dribbling to contribute to a sore patch of pink skin underneath?
 
No dribbling at all and completely dry. She doesn't lick it but pulls it with her teeth.

Just spoke to the vet, they are rabbit specialists so would be very surprised if they missed something in the spay but said they can't say it would never happen.
They are going to do some more research and give me a call back later. They are flummoxed too.

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
No dribbling at all and completely dry. She doesn't lick it but pulls it with her teeth.

Just spoke to the vet, they are rabbit specialists so would be very surprised if they missed something in the spay but said they can't say it would never happen.
They are going to do some more research and give me a call back later. They are flummoxed too.

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


Just a thought ... If you or the vet trimmed the fur under her chin *really* close, she wouldn't be able to grab it with her teeth and pull it out? Might break the cycle? But you'd have to keep it well trimmed ...
 
MightyMax said:
Just a thought ... If you or the vet trimmed the fur under her chin *really* close, she wouldn't be able to grab it with her teeth and pull it out? Might break the cycle? But you'd have to keep it well trimmed ...
Click to expand...
Yeah I have wondered that or spraying it with something that tastes funny. Like you do with people that bite their nails. Vet was worried about the smell putting her off eating though!

The vet would have to trim her fur. The cute little monster wouldn't let me get close enough to trim her chin. Lol.


Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
Mervinius said:
Yeah I have wondered that or spraying it with something that tastes funny. Like you do with people that bite their nails. Vet was worried about the smell putting her off eating though!

The vet would have to trim her fur. The cute little monster wouldn't let me get close enough to trim her chin. Lol.


Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


Her hair cuts would start to cost more than yours :shock:

I think the cream I used had the effect of putting off the rabbit biting, as well as healing up the area ...

Worth a try before all the invasive stuff is considered??
 
MightyMax said:
Her hair cuts would start to cost more than yours :shock:

I think the cream I used had the effect of putting off the rabbit biting, as well as healing up the area ...

Worth a try before all the invasive stuff is considered??
Click to expand...
They certainly would as my mum cuts mine for free!

Maybe a cream would help. Do you remember what it was?

Will see what the vet says later, hopefully they will come up with a magical answer

Sent from my SM-A310F using Tapatalk
 
It doesn't sound learned, normally learned doesn't have a cycle like you're describing.

I'd maybe even consider jaw pain from elongated roots, but that's a long shot and a hormone imbalance/irritated skin would be more likely.

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

hazelthebun18
Need help Rabbit has fur loss on foot
Replies
3
Views
211
Babsie
B
PumpkinBells
Healing and forearm lifting question
Replies
11
Views
244
PumpkinBells
PumpkinBells
O
Hind leg weakness
Replies
2
Views
261
InspectorMorse
InspectorMorse
Back
Top