Wet Dewlap

Cause:
Rabbit's dewlap gets into the water bowls

Symptoms:
Matted, wet hair on dewlap (will turn green on white fur)

Treatment:
Clip the hair from around the area, and apply a healing powder, ointment or a mild disinfectant. Raise the water crock so the animal keeps its dewlap out of the water.


Rabbits drink frequently during warm weather. When the fur of the dewlap gets into the water, and continues to remain wet it will turn green and have a foul odor. This problem occurs almost always with the senior does of hte medium or heavyweight breeds. The dewlap or pendulous fold of skin under the neck, is much more pronounced on the female rabbits. The doe uses some of the fur from the dewlap in building her nest.

When the dewlap is wet the damp condition of the fur is a good environment for micro-organisms to grow. Thus causing the rabbit to scratch and rub the area, which will result in abrasions and infections.

Clip the hair from around the area and apply a mild disinfectant or antiseptic. This condition responds readily to treatment. By raising the water crock you will help prevent the dewlap from getting wet and effectively removing the cause of irritation. To avoid the problem, some breeders use water bottles in the warm weather.

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