Mites or moulting?

I've just noticed this smooth bald spot on Roger's head... Could it be mites? Moulting you normally see short stubbly hairs coming through but this is smooth like it's been waxed! It's not grooming or fur pulling from another bun.

elaine84 said:

I've just noticed this smooth bald spot on Roger's head... Could it be mites? Moulting you normally see short stubbly hairs coming through but this is smooth like it's been waxed! It's not grooming or fur pulling from another bun.

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Have you looked into Roger's ear, the bald area appears to be on the back of his ear ? I cant see any evidence of mites on or around the bald area, but it is impossible to say for certain from a photograph. If he has mucky ears he may have been scratching at them hence the bald area. But it does not really look much like that either as the skin does not appear to have even a slight abrasion on it. There is evidence of new fur growth, so I suspect the bald area will soon catch up. But if you are concerned then a Vet check would be the best way to be certain that he does not have any unwanted guests

Hi Jane, thanks for your reply. I will go to the vet I just thought I'd check here first It's hard to make out his head as it's a close up but that's the centre of his head between his eyes, his ears are off the photo

elaine84 said:

Hi Jane, thanks for your reply. I will go to the vet I just thought I'd check here first It's hard to make out his head as it's a close up but that's the centre of his head between his eyes, his ears are off the photo

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Ah, I see now, having my glasses on helps !! I would say that is part of a normal moult. Sometimes a large amount of fur will come away before the new growth has appeared.

elaine84 said:

I've just noticed this smooth bald spot on Roger's head... Could it be mites? Moulting you normally see short stubbly hairs coming through but this is smooth like it's been waxed! It's not grooming or fur pulling from another bun.

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Hi Elaine :wave:

It looks a bit hefty for a normal moult, but there again I can't see any signs of 'walking dandruff' which would indicate mites :?

Could he have caught it somewhere and pulled a tuft of fur out, maybe?

Hi thank you for your replies! It's been a few weeks but Roger's hair is growing back evenly now! So it was moulting not mites I didn't realise they got full on bald patches from moulting! He looks like an advert for Macdonalds at the moment with a big M shape on his head (2 bald arches over the eyes) lol. I'll take another pic when he lets me! x

elaine84 said:

Hi thank you for your replies! It's been a few weeks but Roger's hair is growing back evenly now! So it was moulting not mites I didn't realise they got full on bald patches from moulting! He looks like an advert for Macdonalds at the moment with a big M shape on his head (2 bald arches over the eyes) lol. I'll take another pic when he lets me! x

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Hi Elaine :wave:

It doesn't happen all that often that a rabbit gets bald patches through moulting, but it can do.

Here's what an expert says:

In some cases, a bunny will undergo what we call a "coat blow," shedding great clumps of fur all at once, and sometimes even leaving small bald patches. If the bunny is healthy, within a few days the bald patches will become pigmented, and then start to grow hair. If this doesn't happen, however, the fur loss may be due to one of several disease processes, and you should consult your trusted rabbit veterinarian for help in determining what the problem is, and how to appropriately treat it.



I'm pleased to see Roger is growing back his hair

elaine84 said:

Hi thank you for your replies! It's been a few weeks but Roger's hair is growing back evenly now! So it was moulting not mites I didn't realise they got full on bald patches from moulting! He looks like an advert for Macdonalds at the moment with a big M shape on his head (2 bald arches over the eyes) lol. I'll take another pic when he lets me! x

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Rex Rabbits often get a bald patch during a heavy moult !! They look really scruffy as a result, bless !

I am glad Roger's fur is growing back well now x