Bunny's paws dirty - or mange?

[UrbanSimplicity]

Recently I've been noticing that my bunny has not been keeping himself as clean as usual (or so i thought) and chalked it up to the fact that he is past his usual life span. But now the fur is constantly dark and wet-looking, like he just stepped in a big puddle and I can see his skin frankly it looks painful and raw, or at best uncomfortable.

I did some research and found pictures of mange but the photos do not seem quite right. Does anyone have any experience with this? And how best to clean if they are only soiled- mild soap like bronners and warm water, blow dry?

Thanks so much!

[lonegirl]

Have you recently checked his teeth? Does he seem to be drooling? Maybe they need a trim. The saliva can cause a "burn" similar to urine scalding

[UrbanSimplicity]

Hmm, doens't seem to be drooling. You mean the saliva could byrn his legs from licking them? btw, it's hind legs only.

[PlayaMama]

is he really bothering the area?

if he's licking and itching a lot it could be mites/mange but that usually involves lots of bare skin and scabby areas and isn't localized to just a small area.

could he be bored and over grooming?

[UrbanSimplicity]

it does not look overly clean. and i haven't notices extra grooming. it seems dirty, like he's getting pee on himself and not cleaning up so good. Can they pee on their feet though??

thanks for the ideas, keep 'em coming!

[heartmama]

Which part of him? What fur exactly? Legs? Torso? Face?

[UrbanSimplicity]

Originally Posted by heartmama

Which part of him? What fur exactly? Legs? Torso? Face?

back paws/ lower hind legs. looks like he's getting pee on them and not cleaning up. i never see him biting or itching except for his usual, occasional lick.

i am going to try to wipe them with a warm damp cloth tomorrow. i do not see scabs or anything else. but i do see hair all sticky and clumped together, so much so that i can see his bones. he looks like he has skinny little chicken legs but only on the foot and ankle, not on the upper leg.

thanks for the sleuthing thus far!