Rabbit's Skin Disease

Like any other pet, rabbits can develop skin disease. There are several possible causes of skin disease in rabbits that will cause discomfort to the animal and require medical treatment.

  1. Mites

    • According to MediRabbit.com, parasitic mites cause skin ailments for rabbits. Mites cause heavy scratching that often leads to infection. They can also cause the rabbit to become anemic.

    Treatment for Mites

    • Veterinarians will often treat mites with injections of a drug called Ivermectin. It is very important that the area the rabbit lives and plays in be thoroughly cleaned with boric acid and vacuumed to prevent re-infection or infection of other animals.

    Fleas

    • AnimalHospitals-USA.com says that, much like mites, fleas live in the rabbit's fur and suck its blood. They can cause anemia and infection.

    Treatment for Fleas

    • Never put a dog or cat's flea collar on a rabbit. Topical flea powders and cleaning the area should treat the problem.

    Pyoderma

    • Bacterial disease on a rabbit's skin can cause abbesses that fill with fluid or puss. PetMD.com reports that these are known as Pyoderma. This condition can damage the surrounding skin. The abbesses can also interfere with a rabbit's blood circulation.

    Treatment for Pyoderma

    • Pyoderma is usually treated with antibiotics and can take a long time to resolve. Bathing and drying the rabbit will be required, and the affected area will be shaved.