Dermatology: pruritus

Introduction

Cause: pruritus/itching is a primary cutaneous sensation. It may be induced from the epidermis, dermis or mucous membranes. In a survey, pruritis (40%) and alopecia (25%) were the most common presenting signs in a rabbit of a primary dermatological condition. It may be difficult to recognize, as rabbits find scratching of specific areas difficult (except the ears). Biting or chewing of areas that are accessible to the mouth is much more likely. It is a sensation that causes the rabbit to scratch, rub, chew or lick a certain area and is often an indicator of skin inflammation.
Signs: areas of wet fur, areas of alopecia, owner reports of scratching visualized.
Diagnosis: skin scrapings, acetate strip samples, hair plucks, Wood's lamp examination.
Treatment: treat underlying cause(s).
Prognosis: depends on underlying cause(s).

Mild to severe scratching, licking, biting or chewing an area of the body.
Depends on underlying causes but often may see cutaneous signs and/or ectoparasites. Self-trauma and cutaneous inflammation often observed.
Perianal rubbing (rabbit pinworm, Passalurus ambiguus Oxyuriasis).
Changes to behavior, eg weight loss, anorexia, lethargy, aggression or hiding away.

Can affect rabbits of either gender.
Older entire does can have a large dewlap and may be predisposed to moist dermatitis in this area.

Dependent on diagnosis.
Dermatophytosis Ringworm and Cheyletiella parasitovorax Cheyletiella parasitovorax have zoonotic potential and can cause skin lesions in people.