Dwarf rabbit has to be covered with suncream to protect his skin after all his hair fell out because of condition that was thought to exist only in dogs
Miniature: Owners feared their tiny, bald and funny looking rabbit might not survive
Delta-Mouse has pituitary dwarfism which vet had only seen before in dogs
Owner thought he’d die, but he’s pulled through and is quite a character
A rabbit born with a normal amount of hair has confused doctors after it appeared to show signs of a condition that only exists in dogs.
Rare condition: The poor bunny began shedding his fur after he was born six weeks ago
Delta-Mouse appeared just to be the runt of the litter when he was born six weeks ago, but when his fur started falling out owner Debbie Ikin from Horwich, Greater Manchester, realised something was amiss.
When she took the pet to the vet, she discovered that he had pituitary dwarfism. His condition, which caused his fur to fall out all over except from his head and feet, had only been seen before in German Shepherd dogs, the vet said.
The rabbit’s eyes need bathing every morning to help him open them because they get stuck together over night. And when out in the sunshine, Delta-Mouse must be lathered in factor 50 suncream to protect his sensitive skin.
The rabbit has astounded both his owners and vets by becoming stronger by the day. His hair has regrown on his body, but he still has bald patches on his the back of his head and the top of his feet.
Ms Ikin’s son Jacob, 10, loves his new pet and after naming him Delta when he was born, added ‘mouse’ to the end due to his small stature. The ten-year-old has been scared to hold him at times because he is so precious.
Ms Ikin said: ‘He’s thriving and very spritely. He’s super friendly and loves to sit on your shoulder. ‘He’s become quite a little celebrity, everyone wants to come round and see him and have their picture taken with him.’
