emmec19
Songster
I am wondering the best way to keep my rabbits bottom clean. Here's the story.
My Benny Bunny is 8 years old. He lives outdoors, spends his daylight hours hopping around our fenced duck run which is in a very large wooded area with lots of trees and shaded areas, branches to nibble and leaves to chew, and endless digging. At night he is in his cage inside our barn. He has a liter box in his cage and he is very good about using it. He has unlimited orchard grass hay, rabbit pellet, and water; he seems to eat equal amounts of both. Every evening he gets a green for a treat, either cilantro, romaine, or dandelion greens. Occasionally a piece of kale or a small piece of carrot for an extra special treat. He does sneak some of the ducks pellet food too when they spill it.
Over the last week he wasn't seeming himself. He had that sad bunny look and posture, and was sitting funny. I noticed him trying to reach himself to clean more often than normal, and that's when it finally clicked that I needed to give him a good look over. I felt just horrible to discover a big poopey mat on his tail. My poor guy! Thankfully his private parts were not blocked, but I'm sure he's been super uncomfortable. I don't know how I missed it until now. He is a really big guy, but not obese. Just lots of skin rolls, so you can't really see his rear without intending too.
I'm thinking he may be getting arthritis. Upon inspecting him I noticed one of his rear legs tucks under different than the other, and he has a bald spot on that hip too, I assume from sitting so awkwardly. Otherwise he seems to be healthy. His coat is fine everywhere else. He is active and eating and pooing as always.
I used our dog clippers to very carefully remove the mat. He sat perfectly still flipped over for the process but then I decided he needed a break. I intend to go back out later today with a warm washcloth and make sure the rest of the area is clean.
Any advice on keeping this from happening since he clearly can't handle it himself? My thought was a daily cornstarch rubbing on his rear and tail and daily brushing. Is there anything else I can do? I have had bunnies for a long time but have never come across this issue before. Thank you!
My Benny Bunny is 8 years old. He lives outdoors, spends his daylight hours hopping around our fenced duck run which is in a very large wooded area with lots of trees and shaded areas, branches to nibble and leaves to chew, and endless digging. At night he is in his cage inside our barn. He has a liter box in his cage and he is very good about using it. He has unlimited orchard grass hay, rabbit pellet, and water; he seems to eat equal amounts of both. Every evening he gets a green for a treat, either cilantro, romaine, or dandelion greens. Occasionally a piece of kale or a small piece of carrot for an extra special treat. He does sneak some of the ducks pellet food too when they spill it.
Over the last week he wasn't seeming himself. He had that sad bunny look and posture, and was sitting funny. I noticed him trying to reach himself to clean more often than normal, and that's when it finally clicked that I needed to give him a good look over. I felt just horrible to discover a big poopey mat on his tail. My poor guy! Thankfully his private parts were not blocked, but I'm sure he's been super uncomfortable. I don't know how I missed it until now. He is a really big guy, but not obese. Just lots of skin rolls, so you can't really see his rear without intending too.
I'm thinking he may be getting arthritis. Upon inspecting him I noticed one of his rear legs tucks under different than the other, and he has a bald spot on that hip too, I assume from sitting so awkwardly. Otherwise he seems to be healthy. His coat is fine everywhere else. He is active and eating and pooing as always.
I used our dog clippers to very carefully remove the mat. He sat perfectly still flipped over for the process but then I decided he needed a break. I intend to go back out later today with a warm washcloth and make sure the rest of the area is clean.
Any advice on keeping this from happening since he clearly can't handle it himself? My thought was a daily cornstarch rubbing on his rear and tail and daily brushing. Is there anything else I can do? I have had bunnies for a long time but have never come across this issue before. Thank you!
I hope I could help you!
