Coat Chewing, Sticky Dandruff, and Bald Spots? What's Going On?
Every year, most frequently in the spring months, my inbox fills up with very logical questions from our newer breeder friends. "Hi, my rabbit has this weird dandruffy looking stuff stuck all over his skin and wool. Any idea what it is?" "Hello! My rabbit has started chewing her coat off!! She multiple toys, and hay.. I don't know how to get her to stop!" "Help!! My rabbit has a big bald spot developing behind it's ears! WHAT AM I DOING WRONG???"
Often these even come from experienced rabbit caretakers who are just new to Angoras. The "major malfunction" in Angoras is that they're highly prone to wool mites! When someone comes to me with one symptom that is likely wool mites, the first thing I suggest it they look for further signs of mites. Often the response is "Mites? Never! I've had rabbits for 10 years and I've never had a case of mites before. No way! Not here! NOT MY RABBITS! Just because I'm new to Angoras doesn't mean I don't know how to keep things clean enough to prevent mites!" It's actually not your fault though. Pretty much the only way to prevent mites in Angoras is to use preventative medications such as Ivermectin or Revolution. Mites seem to love Angoras about as much as we do! So here are my suggestions on dealing with each common symptom:
Coat Chewing - Check for sticky dandruff near the skin level in the coat. If you find dandruff that won't easily move, it's most likely mites. Treat accordingly. Coat chewing can also be a sign of fleas, so if you don't see the tell-tale sign of mites (sticky dandruff), look for flea dirt in the coat (little black specks.) Coat chewing is also a common sign of stress, and of boredom. It's important to narrow down the exact cause of the behavior in order to stop it. New toys will not solve the problem if the issue is mites or fleas.
Sticky Dandruff - Yep, this is mites. Once you kill the mites the dandruff will eventually dry up and come off.
Bald Spots - Small bald spots are usually signs of mites, especially when located near the back of the neck or along the spine. However, it can also be a sign of a molt or underlying health issue. The first step in narrowing down the cause is to examine for signs of mites. If you find evidence of mites, treat for them and you're done. If you do not find evidence, lightly attempt to pluck areas around the bald spot. Is the coat coming right off? If so, this sounds like a molt. Every now and then you'll find an Angora that molts bald. Sometimes these molts are accompanied by normal, light, flaky, dandruff. If the dandruff is dry and easily blows off, this is not usually mites. It's just dry skin. You probably haven't blown out the rabbit's coat in a while. Sometimes a rabbit will molt bald due to physical stress on it's body. If a rabbit that doesn't usually molt, or normally molts correctly with the new coat coming in first, is suddenly molting bald, monitor closely for other signs of a health issue. Is it eating and drinking enough? How are the feces looking? If it takes more than 3-4 days to start seeing the new coat, and you cannot determine the cause and correct it yourself, it's time to call your veterinarian.
Parasite Treatments for Rabbits
The most commonly used anti-parasite medications in rabbits are Ivermectin, Revolution, Cat Flea Powder(5% Carbaryl must be the active ingredient), and Advantage. Listerine is also utilized by some for apparent itchiness that just won't go away.
It is important to note that in many areas, Advantage has lost it's effectiveness in recent years. Only 5% Carbaryl Flea powders are known to be safe for rabbits by the veterinarians I've spoken with.
Here's how you use each medication:
5% Carbaryl Flea Powder for mites: Sprinkle a little on the affected areas and rub it in. You're done. Take care to keep it out of the rabbits eyes, nose and mouth.
Ivermectin for mites (may aid in flea prevention, but don't count on it eliminating existing infestations): Only use the 1% injectable solution, typically labeled for cattle. The dose it 0.02 cc per lb of rabbit. The dose should be repeated after 2 weeks, and then monthly after that. Some veterinarians have recommended treating weekly in severe cases. Ivermectin 1% Injectable Solution may be administered orally, topically, or subcutaneously. I find oral delivery to be the best method. It's painless and the rabbits just lap it up. Use a syringe with a detachable needle to draw the proper amount out of the bottle. Once you've got enough, detach the needle and use the needle-free syringe to squirt it in your rabbit's mouth. They really do like the stuff!
**Note** There are some who believe rabbits with vienna gene (BEW, VM/VC) may be more susceptible to adverse reactions, including death, than most rabbits. I have not found any confirmed reports of rabbit deaths from Ivermectin, but you should definitely do your own research on this. It's also important to remember that none of the information on this site is a replacement for actual medical advice. We share our knowledge of commonly known conditions and treatments, but it's up to you to discuss these with your vet and apply them appropriately.
Often these even come from experienced rabbit caretakers who are just new to Angoras. The "major malfunction" in Angoras is that they're highly prone to wool mites! When someone comes to me with one symptom that is likely wool mites, the first thing I suggest it they look for further signs of mites. Often the response is "Mites? Never! I've had rabbits for 10 years and I've never had a case of mites before. No way! Not here! NOT MY RABBITS! Just because I'm new to Angoras doesn't mean I don't know how to keep things clean enough to prevent mites!" It's actually not your fault though. Pretty much the only way to prevent mites in Angoras is to use preventative medications such as Ivermectin or Revolution. Mites seem to love Angoras about as much as we do! So here are my suggestions on dealing with each common symptom:
Coat Chewing - Check for sticky dandruff near the skin level in the coat. If you find dandruff that won't easily move, it's most likely mites. Treat accordingly. Coat chewing can also be a sign of fleas, so if you don't see the tell-tale sign of mites (sticky dandruff), look for flea dirt in the coat (little black specks.) Coat chewing is also a common sign of stress, and of boredom. It's important to narrow down the exact cause of the behavior in order to stop it. New toys will not solve the problem if the issue is mites or fleas.
Sticky Dandruff - Yep, this is mites. Once you kill the mites the dandruff will eventually dry up and come off.
Bald Spots - Small bald spots are usually signs of mites, especially when located near the back of the neck or along the spine. However, it can also be a sign of a molt or underlying health issue. The first step in narrowing down the cause is to examine for signs of mites. If you find evidence of mites, treat for them and you're done. If you do not find evidence, lightly attempt to pluck areas around the bald spot. Is the coat coming right off? If so, this sounds like a molt. Every now and then you'll find an Angora that molts bald. Sometimes these molts are accompanied by normal, light, flaky, dandruff. If the dandruff is dry and easily blows off, this is not usually mites. It's just dry skin. You probably haven't blown out the rabbit's coat in a while. Sometimes a rabbit will molt bald due to physical stress on it's body. If a rabbit that doesn't usually molt, or normally molts correctly with the new coat coming in first, is suddenly molting bald, monitor closely for other signs of a health issue. Is it eating and drinking enough? How are the feces looking? If it takes more than 3-4 days to start seeing the new coat, and you cannot determine the cause and correct it yourself, it's time to call your veterinarian.
Parasite Treatments for Rabbits
The most commonly used anti-parasite medications in rabbits are Ivermectin, Revolution, Cat Flea Powder(5% Carbaryl must be the active ingredient), and Advantage. Listerine is also utilized by some for apparent itchiness that just won't go away.
It is important to note that in many areas, Advantage has lost it's effectiveness in recent years. Only 5% Carbaryl Flea powders are known to be safe for rabbits by the veterinarians I've spoken with.
Here's how you use each medication:
5% Carbaryl Flea Powder for mites: Sprinkle a little on the affected areas and rub it in. You're done. Take care to keep it out of the rabbits eyes, nose and mouth.
Ivermectin for mites (may aid in flea prevention, but don't count on it eliminating existing infestations): Only use the 1% injectable solution, typically labeled for cattle. The dose it 0.02 cc per lb of rabbit. The dose should be repeated after 2 weeks, and then monthly after that. Some veterinarians have recommended treating weekly in severe cases. Ivermectin 1% Injectable Solution may be administered orally, topically, or subcutaneously. I find oral delivery to be the best method. It's painless and the rabbits just lap it up. Use a syringe with a detachable needle to draw the proper amount out of the bottle. Once you've got enough, detach the needle and use the needle-free syringe to squirt it in your rabbit's mouth. They really do like the stuff!
**Note** There are some who believe rabbits with vienna gene (BEW, VM/VC) may be more susceptible to adverse reactions, including death, than most rabbits. I have not found any confirmed reports of rabbit deaths from Ivermectin, but you should definitely do your own research on this. It's also important to remember that none of the information on this site is a replacement for actual medical advice. We share our knowledge of commonly known conditions and treatments, but it's up to you to discuss these with your vet and apply them appropriately.
Weight of Rabbit |
Dose of Ivermectin |
1 lb |
0.02 cc |
2 lb |
0.04 cc |
3 lb |
0.06 cc |
4 lb |
0.08 cc |
5 lb |
0.1 cc |
6 lb |
0.12 cc |
7 lb |
0.14 cc |
8 lb |
0.16 cc |
9 lb |
0.18 cc |
10 lb |
0.2 cc |
Advantage, for fleas - Follow the directions for cats of the same weight as your rabbit. Again, in many areas, Advantage is no longer effective. But if it is still working in your area, go for it! Just apply to a spot at the base of your rabbit's neck. You don't want it to be able to lick the medication off.
Revolution, for fleas and mites -The dose of Revolution depends on the concentration you are using. Apply as directed. Here is a table of the commonly used dosage for rabbits, by weight to help you get an idea of how much to buy.
Revolution, for fleas and mites -The dose of Revolution depends on the concentration you are using. Apply as directed. Here is a table of the commonly used dosage for rabbits, by weight to help you get an idea of how much to buy.
Weight of Rabbit |
Dose of 60mg/ml Solution Revolution |
Dose of 120mg/ml Solution Revolution |
1.1 lb = 0.5 kg |
0.05 cc |
0.025 cc |
2.2 lb = 1 kg |
0.1 cc |
0.05 cc |
3.3 lb = 1.5 kg |
0.15 cc |
0.075 cc |
4.4 lb = 2 kg |
0.2 cc |
0.1 cc |
5.5 lb = 2.5 kg |
0.25 cc |
0.125 cc |
6.6 lb = 3 kg |
0.3 cc |
0.15 cc |
7.7lb = 3.5 kg |
0.35 cc |
0.175 cc |
8.8 lb = 4 kg |
0.4 cc |
0.2 cc |
9.9 lb = 4.5 kg |
0.45 cc |
0.225 cc |
11 lb = 5 kg |
0.5 cc |
0.25 cc |
Listerine: An experienced breeder of 30+ years once told me to use diluted Original Listerine (the yellow kind) in the event of "itchies" that just won't go away. She said to fill a spray bottle up about halfway with water, then add enough Listerine to turn the liquid yellow. After that, spray it on the rabbit and blow it dry. I've known a few breeders that have tried this and found that it did help, and that it also helps dry out the waxy dandruff so it can be blown out of the coat.
***Disclaimer*** None of the information on this site is a replacement for actual medical advice. We sometimes share our knowledge of commonly known conditions and treatments, but it's up to you to discuss these with your vet and apply them appropriately.