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White flakes on my rabbit's fur and skin. Mites? Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | neutered | 8 months and 29 days old | 3.5 lbs

my rabbit has this in his fur and some white flakes on his skin. is it mites and should i go to the vet?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on April 13th, 2020

Thanks for your question about Wesley, and great job on picking up on these changes on his skin. From the photos, I am seeing some yellow like material near the surface of the skin as well as some white flakes. These could be due to an ectoparasite, such as mites, or it could be environmental. Due to the potential for an external parasite, I would recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian in your area. This would allow them to take samples from the skin's surface and hairs to look at them under the microscope. Depending on what they find, they may prescribe a medication for parasites, or may provide some husbandry change suggestions. I hope this helps to answer your question, and good luck to you and Wesley!

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    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 19th, 2018

    Thanks for reaching out about Willow. Dandruff is often a clinical signs of mites, although the mites are microscopic and can not be seen with the naked eye. A microscope is usually employed to confirm a diagnosis. Dietary deficiencies, other parasites (fleas), and rarely conditions such as a thymoma, can also cause flaky skin. If is just a scratch, that can be from trauma. The other rabbit can have mites and not have flaky skin. It is recommended if the condition worsens, a veterinary exam be scheduled. Mites are fairly easily treatable with the correct medicines. Good luck.

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 25th, 2017

    I would have her checked for furmites. Usually, a vet will need to take some of that dandruff and look under the microscope. You can sometimes see them with the naked eye, but they are very small. Take some of those flakes and put them on a piece of paper. If you see any movement, you'll know there are mites. This can be treated with a spot-on treatment like Revolution. Best to have a vet check though, because this could be some other skin condition or need further treatment.

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