Rabbit Common Integument

What is the primary characteristic of rabbit skin?

Thin and delicate

How does the thickness of rabbit skin vary?

Dorsal skin thicker than ventral skin

What is a dewlap in rabbits?

Loose, pendulous skin on the neck of mature females

How do rabbits regulate body temperature without sweat glands?

Through heat exchange in the ears

What percentage of body surface area do rabbit ears represent?

12% in New Zealand Whites

At what age are rabbit kits fully furred?

12-14 days

Which areas of a rabbit are not furred?

Nose, scrotum, and inguinal region

What is the primary function of down hairs in rabbits?

Insulating coat for thermal protection

How long is the average hair cycle in rabbits?

3-4 months

What is unique about the plantar and palmar surfaces of rabbit feet?

Thickly furred with no footpads

What is the function of rabbit vibrissae?

Sensory tool for gauging burrow width

How many caudal vertebrae does a rabbit have?

16

What are the three main scent glands in rabbits?

Chin, anal, and inguinal glands

What is the function of the white patch on a wild rabbit's tail?

Warning signal to other rabbits

How do rabbit ears contribute to thermoregulation?

Through arteriovenous shunts when thermodilated

What is unique about lop-eared rabbit breeds?

Gap between second and third ear cartilages

Why are rabbit ears fragile and unsuitable for handling?

Large blood vessels close to the surface

What adaptation do wild rabbits have for digging?

Tough nails

What is a common issue in pet rabbits related to nails?

Overgrowth requiring regular clipping

How does the hair follicle structure differ between normal and Rex breed rabbits?

Rex have more hairs per follicle

What breed-specific problem are Rex rabbits prone to?

Pododermatitis

What integument-related issue is common in giant breed rabbits?

Pressure sores

What potential problem can dewlaps cause in certain breeds?

Moist dermatitis and grooming difficulties

What is the primary role of vibrissae in rabbits?

Sensory tool for gauging burrow width

How do rabbit ears contribute to thermoregulation?

Through arteriovenous shunts when thermodilated

What is unique about the fur growth pattern in rabbits?

Grows in waves from ventrum dorsocaudally

How many primary hair follicles are typically found in a rabbit hair bundle?

One central and 2-4 lateral

What percentage of rabbit hairs are secondary down hairs?

90-95%

What is the average length of guard hairs in rabbits?

3-3.5 cm

How does the ratio of secondary to primary hair follicles differ between pet and wild rabbits?

Less in pet rabbits compared to wild

What is the typical hair cycle duration in rabbits?

3-4 months (range 2-7 months)

How many hairs are found in a normal rabbit hair follicle?

Approximately 14

How many hairs can be found in a Rex rabbit hair follicle?

Up to 50

What is the characteristic of Satin rabbit fur?

Abnormal hair fiber with sheen due to genetic mutation

How many efferent nerve cells are associated with each vibrissa follicle in rabbits?

100-200

What nerve innervates rabbit whiskers?

Trigeminal nerve

What is a potential issue caused by dewlaps in rabbits?

Moist dermatitis

Why should rabbit ears never be used for restraint?

They are fragile with large blood vessels close to the surface

What anatomical feature in lop-eared rabbits allows the ears to fall?

Gap between second and third ear cartilages

Why are wild rabbits' nails adapted for digging?

They are fossorial (burrowing) animals

How many caudal vertebrae does a rabbit have?

16

What are the three main scent glands in rabbits?

Chin, anal, and inguinal glands

What is the function of sebaceous glands in rabbits?

Secrete sebum to lubricate hair and make skin waterproof

Where are Harderian glands located in rabbits?

Infraorbitally between eye ball and ventromedial orbit