Mighty Mite

Remember Butterscotch?  The rabbit I brought home in July with wool block?  I never did think much of his dandruff.  His new wool grew in thick with healthy skin.  Until right before this molt I could see from his wool that he had been licking himself.  Thinking he was molting, I combed out loose wool in hopes of preventing another wool block.  The dandruff was back, spreading across his itchy, now-nearly-naked little body.

With his wool fallen out, I can see he has lost condition.  I am concerned for him in the low temperatures.  I provided a cardboard "nest" box which he threw all over the cage.  He has tall urine guards and a large hay rack that shield him from drafts when the shed door is open (not long in these cold temperatures!).  He has a constant supply of warm water.  He has a plastic mat to keep his paws off the cold metal.  He has a feaping full food dish and extra supplements.

He was treated for mites with an anti-parasitic injection on Monday.  He'll get another dose in 2 weeks.  With the winter weather I am concerned for his safety.  But on the other hand, I want to breed only the hardiest of animals.  He alone has this parasite.  ALL of my other rabbits have, at some point since last July, shared cage space or had physical contact with him.  Why are they well and he is affected?  I hesitate to breed an animal with that may have a weaker immune system or that is more susceptible to disease.

The next few days and weeks will "make or break it" for Mr. Butterscotch.  I'm hoping for a good response to the anti-parasite treatment and quick hair regrowth.  Time will tell.

Update:  Mr. Butterscotch is better than well.  He grew out an entire wool coat beautifully, with nothing abnormal.